PRIME MINISTER
ANZAC OPEN AIR SERVICE
CONCORD, N. S. W. 23 April, 1972.
Speech by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. William McMahon, CH, MI. -i
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
O We are here to honor those who died in war and to
commenorate-Anzac Day, one of the notable anniversaries in our
history. Anzac has become a symbol of a nation's valor in war.
It has become a symbol.. of " mateship",-and it has become a symbol of
the bond which unites us with our New Zealand comrades across the
Tasman. All these thoughts are with us today.
Though the forms of observance have changed, the day itselfhas
an-immortal place in the Australian story. It is my hope that
the younger generation, as it grows to manhood, will not forget
what my generation so well remembers. For we remember that it was
on the beaches and hills of Gallipoli that our own created an image
and tradition that is imperishable. They made a name that every
civilian respects. We loathe war: Its brutality, its tragedy and
its waste. But we also cherish our inheritance, freedom and liberty.
Withou. t these freedoms we would not be here in these gardens today.
That is why the originals fought at Gallipoli. That is why
Australia has always been in the-fight for freedom through two
world wars,. in Korea, Malaysia and in Vietnam. We were born free;
not by the accident of history; but by the determined will of the
Australian people and the courage of its fighting forces. You may
say: " That experts tell us that there's no major threat to Australia
in sight in the next few years. " Why then" they ask " Do we
spend so much money on defence, why do we call-up some of our
young men?". " Why are soldiers and sailors and airmen in Malaysia
and Singapore?" The answer is simple; because we must be prepared.
We have to demonstrate to all, that like the Anzacs, we are ready
to stand with them, and if necessary, to fight with them. We have
to remind a would-be aggressor that like the Anzacs we are
ready to fight tooth and nail for freedom and the defence of our
own country: It is better to prevent wars.
The international bully will always think twice if he knows
the other fellow big or small is in fighting trim and packs a
pretty heavy punch.
There was a phrase used during the first world war. " This is the
war to end all wars". Unhappily, it was not. But out of the
sacrifice of those dreadful years freedom was preserved for decent
people. Freedom was won; it was not guaranteed. It is up to us
and our allies to do all we can now to provide the guarantees.
Freedom was again challenged in the second world war-again the
challenge was beaten. It is being challenged again in South-East
Asia. That battle is still being fought; so the need for a
guarantee remains. That is why we must. be strong. That is why,
we must prepare for war in the years of peace. Never in our history
has an aggressor set foot on Australian-soil. But hostile aircraft
bombed us in the north and we had enemy submarines in Sydney Harbor.
It has been as close as that. Don't let us live in a " fool's
paradise": We must not take risks. We must keep-. faith with the
tradition of Anzac.
I am proud to say that the va st-majority of Australians are
keeping the faith. The young Australians who have served or are
serving under the National Service Scheme are Anzacs through and
through. There are no differences, nor distinction; between . them
and the regular soldier. They have bean decorated in battle in
Vietnam. They have served with courage.
Ladies and Gentlemenon this Anzac Sunday our memories are with those
who died on the land, on the sea, and in the air. We will never
forget them. Our thoughts, too, are for their families. It is
with humility and gratitude that we honor the Anzac today and we
pledge ourselves that so far as it is within our mortal power
to carry on in their tradition. " What they have left to us would
enrich the proudest nation on earth." I thank you.