They shall go not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

These words are from the 4th stanza of Laurence Binyon’s poem “For the Fallen” which was first published in The Times in September 1914. Traditionally the words “Lest we forget” are added at the end of the stanza.

The importance of these words of remembrance is obvious. In theatres of war throughout the world young Australian and New Zealand men have perished protecting their country, their dominion and our way of life. The poignancy of words spoken in remembrance of those that have fallen lose no meaning and depth as the years pass.

Australians, New Zealanders and soldiers from countries around the world continue to be engaged in conflict around the world and continue to fall. Their sacrifice and that of those who have preceded them will never be forgotten.

It is also important on this day, and every day for that matter, to remember those who return from war but are unable to return to their life before they left due to injury and illness including mental illness. We must not forget them either.

On this most solemn of days of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand I finish by repeating the last stanza of “For the Fallen”:

They shall go not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.