Every year, people throughout Australia and New Zealand pause to acknowledge those who fought for us, and to remember those who gave their lives. This ANZAC Day, we offer our thanks to all the brave men and women who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, striving always to keep their countries safe.
For many members of our Certis Australia family, ANZAC Day is more than juat an annual day of commemoration. It’s a day to reflect on their own memories, and the stories passed down through generations. Today, as we take our time to acknowledge all current and former members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, weask some of our own Certis team members about their experiences during their time as former servicemen.
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For Nik Ilic, Client Services Manager – Protective Services, memories of his time as a Private in the Australian Army are still fresh, having served from 2014 to 2017.
“My experience as a soldier left an indelible mark on my life. The memories of comradeship, the hardships endured, and the sacrifices made are forever etched into my consciousness. Each year as ANZAC Day approaches, these memories come flooding back, serving as a reminder of the price of freedom and the courage of those who have gone before us.
ANZAC Day holds a special significance for me because it provides an opportunity to honour the memory of those who did not return home, as well as those who continue to bear the physical and emotional wounds of their service. It's a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many, and to express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
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For Michael Streets, Regional Operations Manager and National Quality Excellence Manager, ANZAC Day isn’t just a commemoration of his own 21 years in the Australian Army. Coming from a family of military service people, Michael has always understood the great importance of this national day of remembrance.
“I joined the Army as a young lad of 17 in November 1979 and went on to serve in the regular Army for 21 years. I also did a couple of years of reserve service after separating from the regulars. ANZAC Day has always been a day I respected, even before joining the Army. I was often the boy scout raising and lowering flags at the local memorial during ANZAC Day services, and there is a strong connection to military service within the Streets family. 10 of my relatives served during the Second World War, most notably my grandfather, Leo Streets who served on the Kokoda Track.”
Michael’s passion for personal military history has also seen him searching the archives for other potential family members, including one with whom he already feels a special connection.
“I found records of a Henry John Streets, who came out from England and joined the 8th Battalion Australian Imperial Forces during World War One at the age of 15. Henry landed at Gallipoli on that fateful afternoon of April 25, 1915. He was wounded, but returned to serve beside his mates once he recovered, and was later posted to the Somme. Although he was gassed twice, he survived the war and returned home.
Henry and I joined the Army on the same day, 65 years apart.”
Summing up his emotions towards ANZAC Day, Michael said, “All Australians should be proud of the deeds done by any Australian Military member, past and present. This day is a reflection of our national pride and recognition of the sacrifices made so all of us can enjoy the freedoms we have today.”
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For Matthew Lees, Client Services Manager – Protective Services, his time as a Corporal in the British Royal Air Force Police gave him an appreciation for his Australian and New Zealand counterparts in conflicts past and present, and the sacrifices they continue to make.
"ANZAC Day to me is a stark reminder that over 100 years on, we are still sending young boys and girls to fight in pointless wars, in distant lands, for greedy men and women. The ANZACs were fighting for the benefit of the world against tyranny and evil. Their sacrifice should not be forgotten and we should learn from their loss."
The Certis Australia team joins our friends and colleagues in honouring our service men and women of the past and the future. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.