DESCRIBING the Torres Strait as the gateway of Australia, LTGEN Morrison AO, Chief of the Australian Army paid particular acknowledgement to the contribution of Indigenous service men and women.

“Sadly, for too long, many Australians were blind to the reality of our history. The celebrations of our victory in war were blind to the mixed emotions for those who called this land home long before it was called Australia,” LTGEN Morrison said.

“On this day we that pay tribute to the soldiers who stormed ashore on a foreign beach, we must also consider that some Australians remembered men from across the world coming here to take their land.

“Today I think all have a greater understanding of the significance of this land to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Today I wish to pay tribute to the many Indigenous men and women who have served in our armed forces in every war since the formation of the Commonwealth in 1901. “Those first soldiers who fought in WWI, of which a third were killed or wounded. They fought for a nation that did not even fully recognise their rights and status as human beings, let alone citizens. “Yet their love of land and Country preceded any flag or crown, so they went to war as proud warriors, that made their unselfishness and sacrifice even more remarkable.”

LTGEN Morrison then mentioned some examples of outstanding service by various Indigenous soldiers, including; Albert Knight, Reg Saunders, Leonard Waters, Charles Mene and Victor Blanco.

“All these men were pioneers and role models who were judged by their merits not the colour of their skin.

“To me Anzac is a sort of Dreaming for Australians, of course its a war story, but it is also a moral tale about, love of Country, love of friends and family and the willingness to bear terrible suffering to protect what we love,” he said.