Honouring our veterans today and every day

This year’s ANZAC Day will be different. We won’t be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder at a Dawn Service, or gather in large groups in the way we normally would. But, that doesn't mean we can’t honour it in a different way — because if this time has taught us anything, it is that the ANZAC Spirit is more important than ever.

When we think of the ANZAC Spirit — traits like courage, mateship, endurance, and selflessness all come to mind. It’s been over 100 years since the incredibly brave members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps first landed in Gallipoli and the powerful legacy they left, and the special qualities they possessed are just as admirable today. They sacrificed so much for us, and whilst the 25th of April is a special day of the year to commemorate our veterans, I believe we should remember them every single day.

I’m so proud to be a part of a company that supports and honours our veterans in Australia and New Zealand and across the globe through our VetForce Equality Group. The ongoing programs and initiatives led by thousands of employees across the world to help veterans thrive and re-join the workforce is truly inspiring.

Today, our local VetForce group hosted a special virtual event, where we heard from

• Gwen Cherne, War Widow and Advocate for War Widows, Veterans, Families and Mental Health
• James Griffin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Veterans NSW
• Troy Simmonds, SASR veteran, HSEQ Advisor at MMA Offshore and President, SAS Association - WA
• Air Commodore John Oddie, AM, CSC (retired)
• Dr Michele Roberts, Academic Director, AGSM/UNSW
• Quentin Masson, SASR Veteran, Head of Government and Defence at Toll Group, CEO Wandering Warriors
• Bill Sullivan, US Air Force veteran and a Sales Leader for the SMB Financial Service steam at Salesforce in Sydney
• Mike Nolan, Global President of Salesforce’s veterans program, VetForce, and a Senior Talent Advisor for Salesforce based in Massachusetts, USA
• Dan Parker, Australian Army Veteran, Senior ISV Partner Manager for Salesforce APAC

This incredibly distinguished panel discussed the spirit of the ANZAC, the life of modern day veterans, their involvement in the veteran community, how their service life has enabled opportunities in their current career, and some life lessons we all can learn from especially in these uncertain times. I was truly humbled and grateful to hear their stories.

Tomorrow morning, I will wake up my daughters early. Instead of heading to the Dawn Service, we’ll be joining our neighbours on our driveways at dawn to listen to The Last Post and to observe one minute of silence. This has been an especially isolating time for so many, so I encourage you to reach out to a veteran, or anyone who may need extra support tomorrow. Physical distance doesn't have to mean emotional distance.

Lest we forget.