Julian Simmonds (Ryan, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

This morning, I and other members gathered at the Australian War Memorial to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms that Australian enjoy today. Our electorate of Ryan is home to the Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera, and this morning at the Australian War Memorial we heard from Dan Keighran, who was awarded the VC while part of 6RAR, based at Enoggera. He was part of what remains a large Defence and veteran community in the Ryan electorate.

I recognise that this day can weigh heavily on the hearts of our local veterans, our current service men and women, their families and their friends. On Remembrance Day, I would usually be among them, attending a service held by one of our local RSLs. I pay tribute to the members of the Kenmore-Moggill RSL, the Toowong RSL, the Gaythorne RSL, The Gap RSL and the Bardon RSL for the moving services that they held this morning in the Ryan electorate.

I would also like to highlight a fantastic local business that has gone above and beyond today to support our defence community. Deanna, the owner of Enoggera Flowers, has donated all the profits from her sales today to Legacy Australia. At a time when businesses are doing it tough because of the COVID-19 recession, Deanna has shown immense generosity, and I would like to thank her on behalf of our community.

I join our community in coming together today to reflect on the enormous sacrifices of our veterans and their families. We cannot thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made to protect our families and our country. Lest we forget.

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