26 April 2024
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart urged Australians across the world to honour the words of the Ode of Remembrance, ‘lest we forget’.
In Europe for talks with his British, French and German counterparts, Lieutenant General Stuart spoke at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day.
He said taking part in the ceremonies in France was an enormous privilege.
“No matter where we commemorate this sacred day, it is the way we can connect our past with the present,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.
“The sacrifices of our service personnel mean there is hope for the future, and by pausing on the 25th of April fulfils the promise of the ode, lest we forget.”
While in the United Kingdom, Lieutenant General Stuart visited Australian troops taking part in Operation Kudu, part of an international effort to training Ukrainian recruits to fight on the frontlines in the war against Russia.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the work our soldiers are doing,” he said.
“I was here 18 months ago and am impressed with how the training has evolved and adapted since then. The training is informed by what is happening on the battlefield, and is now more efficient and sophisticated.”
Lieutenant General Stuart held talks with his British Army counterpart General Sir Patrick Sanders, which focused on the modernisation programs of the Australian and British Armies, the operating environments in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, and the shared challenges like retention and recruitment.
“We understand each other well and the Australia-UK army relationship has never been closer,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.
“We have shared national interests but bring different perspectives and ideas to the table, with the opportunity to enhance the strengths of the Australian and British Armies.”
