Lest We Forget By MW Bro Derek Robson AM PGM CMH
22 February 24
Remembrance Day
Armistice Day marked the anniversary of the end of hostilities in World War I. After World War II, the Australian Government agreed to a UK proposal that Armistice Day would be renamed Remembrance Day to acknowledge and commemorate those who had been killed in both World Wars.
And so it is that we now come together for Remembrance Day on 11 November to commemorate those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in all wars and conflicts. Freemasons join with many other groups and associations to reflect on what this commemorative period might mean to us as individuals.
Remembrance Day is personal. Whether we are remembering the service of an individual, the anniversary of a conflict, the significance of a local memorial building or town cenotaph, or reflecting on our family circumstances because of conflict, Remembrance Day has its own special meaning for each of us. And it is this acknowledgement of service and the appreciation that we are living free that draws us together every year to again reflect and remember.
This year, 2023, we acknowledge that it is 70 years since the fighting in the Korean War ended, and we acknowledge the contribution that so many of our service personnel made to that conflict. Importantly, we also acknowledge the contribution made by so many who were involved through our country’s National Service scheme.
We must remember them all.
We must particularly remember and honour the physical, mental, emotional, and traumatic injury endured by so many, and we must always remember that the pressures that come from serving highlight the reason why the Remembrance of Service is so important.
This Remembrance Day offers us the opportunity to recognise and remember suffered in wars, conflict or peace-keeping operations. As Freemasons, we should also always acknowledge and remember all those whose names are on the magnificent Honour Roll in our Grand Lodge, and particularly acknowledge that our Sydney Masonic Centre is the only masonic building deliberately commissioned and dedicated as a true memorial building. Clearly ‘Service above Self’ has always had an important meaning to all of us.
Remembrance Day is a time for reflection. We acknowledge the service of so many of our fellow Australians who selflessly gave of themselves for our future, and for our nation.
Remembrance Day is a time when we acknowledge and appreciate that so many families and their lifestyles have been so disrupted by the loss of life, love, and opportunity.
It is so important that we remember to remember.