Remembering the cost of freedom

For Lieutenant Paddy Brennan, Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a cost.

Observed every year at 11am on November 11, Remembrance Day marks the moment the guns of the Western Front fell silent in 1918 after four years of continuous warfare.

“Remembrance Day holds a special meaning for me and all Australians because it symbolises the end of World War I – a war where thousands of brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom,” Paddy says.

“It is a day for us to pause and remember those who lost their lives on the battlefields, and those who were lucky enough to come home.

“We live in the greatest country in the world, but it didn’t happen by chance.

“Our Diggers in all wars have fought hard for us and the freedoms we enjoy today, and for that we must always be grateful.”

Paddy is one of thousands of Australians currently serving in the Australian Defence Force, having first enlisted in the Australian Army when he was 20.

“I was involved with cadets from a young age and that gave me a sense of patriotism and dedication to my country,” Paddy says.

“I was a soldier first and did two tours of East Timor and one of Afghanistan, as well as a couple of training trips to Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

“I made it to the rank of Corporal and while in Afghanistan, I was in charge of eight soldiers.

“When I came home, my perspective changed and I no longer felt the Army was the right fit for me, so I discharged.

“After I left, I got married and had children, but I also went through some dark times adjusting back to civilian life.

“I realised I needed more purpose, which was my work, so I decided to re-enlist as an officer.”

He is currently serving in the 7th Combat Signal Regiment at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.

“It’s been almost five years since I re-enlisted, and I haven’t regretted it,” Paddy says.

“As an officer, I can mold the younger generation and help make the Army a better place for everyone.

“The cyber domain is the new battlefield, and I want to be in a position to enable commanders to make the right decisions.”

Paddy is also on the Board of Directors at the Redcliffe RSL Sub Branch.

Pause and reflect 

The Redcliffe RSL Sub Branch will host its Remembrance Day service at ANZAC Place on Monday, November 11. The service will commence at 10.45am followed by a minute’s silence at 11am.