29 April 2025
Able Seaman Madison Beard marked a personal and professional milestone this Anzac Day, representing Navy in France as part of Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG).
Selected to support official commemorations near Villers-Bretonneux, Able Seaman Beard stood in formation at the Australian National Memorial, near where her great-great-grandfather, Private James Francis Huggard, fought with the 37th Battalion during World War 1.
“To stand there in uniform, where he once fought, it’s an honour that’s hard to put into words,” Able Seaman Beard said.
Originally from Brisbane, Able Seaman Beard now calls Canberra home. Her posting to AFG aligned with her family’s move to the nation’s capital, bringing her full circle to serve in a role she had long aspired to.
“I’ve always wanted to be part of AFG. Every task can be different, the core fundamentals of drill, however, remain the same and I enjoy every aspect of it,” Able Seaman Beard said.
For Able Seaman Beard, the Anzac Day ceremony in France was the most meaningful chapter of her career to date.
She described the experience as a privilege deeply connected to her service and her family’s history.
'To me, Anzac Day is about honouring everyone who’s served, across all generations.'
Service has long shaped Able Seaman Beard’s family – her mother, father, stepfather and grandfather all served in uniform, passing down a legacy of military pride and purpose.
“Growing up I was surrounded by it. It made me want to serve too, to continue that legacy,” she said.
In her current role, Able Seaman Beard has found a rhythm in repetition, where ceremonial precision reflects discipline, unity and respect.
“There’s a sense of purpose in the repetition; it becomes second nature, but it never loses meaning,” she said.
At Villers-Bretonneux that meaning was clear; the solemn timing of each drill movement was more than ceremonial – it was an act of remembrance.
“To me, Anzac Day is about honouring everyone who’s served, across all generations," Able Seaman Beard said.
“It’s about remembering and showing that we haven’t forgotten.”
From the Western Front to modern-day ceremonial service, Able Seaman Beard’s story reflects more than personal achievement.
It’s a reminder that Australia’s legacy of service continues, carried forward by those who still stand to honour it, one generation after the next.
