Squadron Leader Timothy Cantrill, from the Royal Australian Air Force’s No 2 Squadron, at Williamtown, said while Anzac Day would always be about honouring those in the armed forces, it should also be a day for personal reflection. 

Speaking at the Anzac Day ceremony at Morisset, Squadron Leader Cantrill said Anzac Day was also a time for Australians to consider their own work – whether paid or voluntary – and how it was “contributing something meaningful and enduring, and which makes real positive change to the nation”.

“While we acknowledge the sacrifice of every person who chooses to put on a [military] uniform, the truth is the Anzac legend was built by combatants and non-combatants,” he said.

“The best way to remember the sacrifice of others is to selflessly commit to what each of you sees as a need in your local community, and to do what you can to contribute to that community and the nation.”

He said that while Australia would always need defence personnel, “not all of us were called to put on a uniform”.

It was incumbent on civilians, therefore, to perpetuate the Anzac spirit of a fair go, mutual respect for individuals, and self-sacrifice, in their everyday lives, he said.

He challenged his audience not to think of Anzac Day as being exclusively about what ex-service personnel did “in the past”.

“Anzac Day is about what you will do in the future,” he said.

“Tomorrow’s legacy will not be shaped by the heroism of those who served in the past only, but also it will be shaped by those serving in the future.

“It will be shaped by those who understand the responsibility for making a better tomorrow is yours.”

The airman’s address was well received, and drew spontaneous applause from the large crowd outside Morisset Country Club.

Earlier, current and ex-service personnel and their families marched through the town, accompanied by delegations from local school, community and sporting groups.

Locals lined Dora Street and cheered the procession.