We meet on ANZAC day, not to celebrate battle or glorify war, but to remember those who have served our country during conflict and crisis.

ANZAC day is not merely a date, or some remote campaign, but rather a spirit.

ANZAC day reminds us that wars are to be avoided, but when necessary we must stand up for our values.

It is a time to reflect on the past generations of Australians who in hardship displayed courage, discipline, self-reliance, self–sacrifice, resourcefulness and friendship.

For us Filipinos we value ANZAC for we too have our share of suffering during World War II which is symbolized in our defeat in Bataan and our last stand in Corregidor, not to mention that the entire country suffered for 4 years under enemy occupation.

World War II caused the collision of the destiny between Australia and the Philippines.

The bravery that was displayed by Filipinos in resisting the enemy in both Bataan and Corregidor and their relentless guerrilla campaign disrupted the enemy’s timetable in their mission to conquer Australia. This ultimately gave time for Australia and America to build up their defences and turned the tide of war against the aggressors.

We are grateful to Australia and the US for the Leyte Landing, better known in history chronicles as the return of General MacArthur to the Philippines in October 1944 that led to the liberation of the Philippines. Forty-nine Australian Servicemen lost their lives in that campaign.

Two prominent Australians served in the Philippines during WW II, former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, an Airforce pilot, and former Chief Justice and Lt Governor of NSW Sir Lawrence Street as a young navy ensign.

To them and to all those who have fallen defending freedom and country, thank you.

Tom Baena is past commissioner of the Community Relations Commission NSW, a solicitor and barrister of the NSW Supreme Court, a major with the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, Australian Defence Force, former Senior Constable with the NSW Police Service and a member and officer of community organisations including the Australia Philippines Services League.

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