Reflections — Anzac Day 2021

Sergeant Ken Whitton, technical officer with Babcock Australasia’s C-CBRNE project

My military career began in 1988 when I enlisted into the Army Reserves as a Gunner in the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). Since this time, I have served as a Bombardier in the RAA, an Electronics Technician in the Royal Australian Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME), and been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Today, 33 years on, I am on long service leave from the Army as I transition into a civilian career at Babcock.

My family and I have a long service history with the Australian Army. I am a third-generation soldier after my father and two grandfathers. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. One grandfather was wounded in the Middle East and medically discharged and returned to Australia with a disability. The other grandfather served in Papua New Guinea before returning to Australia then started a family with five kids. No doubt in order to feed his expanding family, he re-enlisted into the Australian Regular Army and served from 1959 to 1979.

Anzac Day has always been about family for me. It is a day when I reflect on those who have gone before, those who continue to serve, and the legacy we leave for the future. It is a day to acknowledge the hardships and sacrifices of the original Anzacs. I believe the Anzacs forged a unique sense of dedication to duty, acceptance of responsibility, and compassion for others that we all now refer to as “mateship”.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day 2021, I will deliver a speech at my son’s primary school about the Anzac spirit and put on my uniform for the last time. Here, I will talk about how younger generations can learn from the Anzac’s experiences and follow their examples by having a sense of purpose, acceptance of responsibility and compassion for others, while they are at school, as well as whatever else they do in their lives. I will also commemorate Anzac Day by participating in the Dawn Service at Semaphore and attending the Anzac Day March in Adelaide.

My present role at Babcock is to manage the engineering and maintenance of C-CBRNE and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment on behalf of the National Fleet Manager for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

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Working at Babcock means I can serve the nation by continuing to assist with maintenance, repair, engineering and capability for operational equipment for the ADF.

I am proud to serve and honoured to carry on the customs and traditions of those who have gone before me as a custodian of the Anzac spirit. I feel privileged to have served and protected Australia’s interests at home and overseas throughout my career. 

Jeremy Satchell, business development manager, global access program at BAE Systems Australia

Commemoration and remembrance is an important part of our society’s make-up. Whether it be for a passed loved one, a tragedy or a significant milestone, taking the time from our day-to-day activities to come together and pay respects is not only the right thing to do, it helps us to learn and grow as individuals and a community.

Some say that there is no greater honour than to serve your country. For me, being a member of the Australian Regular Army was an immense privilege and an experience I hold dear. In 2017, I made the difficult decision to resign in order to settle my family and explore an alternate career path which has led me into the defence industry sector. Knowing that the work I do each and every day is contributing to those that still wear our nation’s uniform is immensely fulfilling, but still a distant second from actual service!

Each year we publicly commemorate events such as Remembrance Day and Anzac Day. These days provide some stark focus for us all to acknowledge the great sacrifice that so many have made. For me, Anzac Day is like no other. A day of pride, respect and time for reflection. I love the stillness and silence of a chilly dawn service, complete with poignant words of The Ode and a bugler who also plays the Last Post with such passion. There is something about that minute of silence, which seems to bring us all together as a nation, which I’ve never felt replicated, anywhere in the world. Of course the subsequent crunchy anzac biscuits and warming tot of rum at 0600h is also quite unique!

While I find the tag of ‘veteran’ slightly disconcerting and embarrassing, I’m slowly learning that it is in fact a label of respect and an absolute honour to be able to count myself within such an exemplary group of women and men. I’m extremely passionate about removing negative connotations associated with service and reshaping the narrative as we progress through the 21st century. Our society needs more people with respectful morals and ethical values, and our service and veteran community lead the way in demonstrating these.

[I] implore everyone to take the time to reflect on how this group of people have shaped and contributed to our nation. We must continue to embrace the legacy they leave us and drive forward the examples they set. And most importantly, we must never forget those that paid the ultimate price in the service of our nation.

To those that have served, and continue to serve, on this Anzac Day, and always, Australia says thank you.