Troops honoured in Christmas messages (Australia)

Australian Broadcasting Commission ^ | 25th December 2004

[naturalman1975]

Australian troops have been told they have the respect of the nation in an official Christmas message from the Prime Minister, the Governor-General and Defence chiefs.

With 1,900 troops on duty today, either in Australia or overseas, Defence Chief General Peter Cosgrove wants them to know they are not forgotten.

"We're proud of the job you're doing and we're telling you that the job you doing is really important as you serve Australia," he said.

In his message, the Prime Minister says it has been a demanding year for the Australian Defence Force.

But John Howard says the Australian military has excelled under difficult circumstances, earning the respect of the nation.

"Whether you are patrolling our borders, helping to prevent acts of terrorism or assisting to restore peace and stability in one of several fledgling nations, your efforts have brought great credit to our country," he said.

"On behalf of all Australians, I thank you for your continued service and extend our wishes for a happy Christmas and for your safe return."

Mr Howard says troops have excelled in difficult circumstances.

Governor-General Michael Jeffery also says troops should be proud of their achievements.

"The professionalism, enthusiasm and compassion of our servicemen and women is respected around the world," he said.

"This has been another demanding year and your achievements have been truly outstanding."

He says the commitment of those serving overseas at Christmas is especially valued.

Defence spokesman Brigadier Mike Hannan says most of the Australian troops serving overseas will get a chance to call home today.

"Communications are getting better all the time and we always try and put an extra effort into ensuring that our people, the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, are able to contact home regularly as a matter of course," he said.

"For Christmas day, an extra effort will be made and troops everywhere should have the opportunity to make some contact."

Brigadier Hannan says security arrangements have been reviewed for the Australian troops serving in Iraq this Christmas.

"We take the security of our people very seriously and we're constantly monitoring the security situation and constantly considering what the risks are that are coming towards us," he said.

"Christmas of course has been factored into those considerations and I can assure that the best possible security will be in place for our Australian men and women."

[VOA]

"The professionalism, enthusiasm and compassion of our servicemen and women is
respected around the world," he said.

Respected long before the current situation!

I remember seeing a TV segment on an Australian officer qualification test: fitted
the candidate with a 150 pound pack (mostly just weight?), minimal survival
gear, rifle and put him in the middle of a place that looked about as livable
as the Moon.
Then he had to do an multiple-day orienteering up and down mountains, day-and-night,
short on food and water...being monitored a couple of times a day to see if
he was still alive or ready to be picked up and washed out.

Tough as nails.

Definitely not "Old Europe"!

[BloodScarletMinnesota]

I haven't forgotten. Thanks Aussies! God love ya!

[68skylark]

Around the time we invaded Iraq, there was a good photo going around FR. It was a photo of three soldiers -- an American, a Brit and an Australian -- standing with rifles in front of flagpoles with their three national flags. I wish I'd saved a copy of that one.

[naturalman1975]

I still have it bookmarked:

I thought it was great as well.

[68skylark]

Thanks -- that photo says a lot.