Libby Mettam: The Anzac Day spirit still resonates across the State as we honour and reflect on our ancestors

On Thursday, as the first light of dawn graced our expansive State, I joined countless West Australians in a deeply moving ceremony to honour the enduring legacy of Anzac Day.

In this solemn gathering, we reflected on the contributions of our ancestors and recommitted ourselves to the values that define and unify us.

Anzac Day holds a profound significance across WA. From Albany’s wild coasts to Perth’s vibrant streets, its spirit permeates our State, echoing the storied battles and sacrifices made for our nation. This spirit, inherited across generations, embodies a legacy of sacrifice and service that continues to resonate with all West Australians.

This day is one of remembrance, reflection, and reverence, encapsulating our community’s essence — forged in war’s crucible, hardened by adversity, and united by indissoluble ties of mateship and solidarity.

It is a day to remember the brave souls who served and continue to serve in both war and peace — those who faced the unimaginable on the front lines, those who did not return, those who came back forever changed, and the families which bore the brunt of loss or supported the returning warriors.

One hundred and nine years ago, thousands of young men, from the cities, rural outposts, and indigenous communities, embarked on a perilous journey to Gallipoli’s shores at Anzac Cove.

From the bustling urban centres to the most remote areas of Australia, individuals from all walks of life converged with a singular purpose: to serve their country in its hour of need. This collective endeavour bridged cultural, geographical, and social divides, uniting them under a common banner of resilience and duty.

As they landed on the rugged beaches of Anzac Cove, these soldiers were propelled not only by the call to arms but also by a deep-seated sense of responsibility to protect the freedoms and ideals that defined their young nation. This commitment to service was not driven by the prospect of glory or accolades but by an earnest desire to contribute to a cause greater than themselves.

Among them was my grandfather, Harry Hansen-Knarhoi, born in 1885 in Bendigo, Victoria. A seasoned horseman from managing sheep stations in northwest WA, he aimed for the light horse brigade but was instead assigned to the Australian Infantry Force and sent directly to France in 1915.

From a private, Harry rose to first lieutenant, his promotion on the battlefield a testament to his bravery, having saved many in his company. Though he missed Gallipoli, the tales of his trials in France — snipers, bombs, the perpetual mud and wet, walking over fallen comrades, and charging into enemy fire — were passed down by my father, vivid and harrowing.

Surviving nearly four years of the horrors of WWI, Grandad emerged with scars, both seen and unseen, marked by mustard gas and shrapnel, carrying a bullet-grazed bald patch as a stark reminder of his close brush with death.

By the war’s end, more than 60,000 Australians had perished, and 156,000 were wounded or captured — a profound toll on our young nation.

Anzac Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand armed forces. For West Australians, this commemoration is intensely personal as we honour those who died defending our freedoms.

From Gallipoli’s bloody sands to the dense jungles of Papua New Guinea, West Australians have consistently displayed remarkable courage and resolve, leaving an indelible mark on history.

While WWI was once hoped to be “the war to end all wars,” subsequent conflicts have harshly disproven this notion. Current conflicts remind us of the fragility of peace and the importance of remembering the true cost of war through education and open dialogue.

More than a historical remembrance, Anzac Day compels us to reflect on past lessons and their relevance today. It is a day that underscores the values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice — values that have steered us through challenges and spurred us toward a brighter future. These values forge our communal bonds and inspire us to face adversity together.

Central to Anzac Day is the importance of family, both biological and chosen. The families of those who served played critical roles, supporting from the home front and in the recovery of those who returned. Their strength and resilience echo through our commemoration, reminding us of the sacrifices that extend beyond the battlefield.

Anzac Day also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and our collective strength, exemplifying the power of solidarity and the enduring bonds of mateship that connect us across generations.

Let us always remember the essence of Anzac Day. Let us honor the memory of those who preceded us with not only words but deeds, embodying the ideals of courage, mateship, and sacrifice they cherished. And let us carry the spirit of Anzac Day forward, embodying its principles in all our actions.

Lest we forget.

Libby Mettam is the leader of the Liberals.