Remembrance Day reminds us to reach out

99 years ago today the guns fell silent as World War One came to an end. Today at the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place, Afghanistan veteran Adrian Talbot recited the poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley on behalf of the Invictus Games community of wounded, injured and ill veterans and serving defence personnel, recited the poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley.

Generations have drawn strength from the words of the poem during times of adversity. Henley was himself an amputee and the poem reflects his long battle with illness. The word ‘Invictus’ means ‘unconquered’ and the poem embodies the fighting spirit of our wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women.

“The purpose of today is to recognise and mark the end of hostilities ceasing on the Western Front at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month,” said Talbot.  “It is a time at which we pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in battles past and present.”

Talbot, a competitor in the 2014 Invictus Games in London, reminded us that across the generations are many who did return and who need our support today and every day.

“The poem ‘Invictus’ inspires courage and resilience in all of us to never give up and, while we must all respect the fallen, there may be those you know in your community who have served and would appreciate you reaching out to them. Or perhaps you could reach out to others that you have served with.

“As the Vietnam Veterans have been saying for years – Respect the dead, and fight like hell for the living,” said Talbot.

On this day we remember those who served then, those who have served since and those who serve now and we remain ever grateful.

“The poem ‘Invictus’ inspires courage and resilience in all of us to never give up and, while we must all respect the fallen, there may be those you know in your community who have served and would appreciate you reaching out to them.”

Adrian Talbot