Remembrance Day, more than a moment of reflection

• The day commemorates the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts.
• A reminder to acknowledge Defence members past and present.
• St John WA proudly employs Australian Defence Force reservists.

St John WA paramedics Lauren D’Arcy, Robert Curtis, and Andrew Wishart reflect on what Remembrance Day means to them as current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

“On Remembrance Day, I reflect of those serving members, both past and present, who have been injured, both physically and mentally,” Andrew, a Critical Care Paramedic who has served in the Australian Navy for over 20 years said.

Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Airforce and Paramedic Lauren D’Arcy reflects on the immense sacrifices of those who served before her.

“Remembrance Day is an important day where we get to stop and reflect and acknowledge the immense sacrifice of so many Australians who came from all corners of our country, to go and serve a cause that was greater than themselves,” Lauren said.

When he’s not serving the WA community as a Special Operations Paramedic, Robert Curtis serves as a reservist in the Australian Army.

“It’s a time where I get to reflect on the fact that I live a very comfortable life in a very privileged society. So, serving as a reservist in the Defence force gives me an opportunity to live a life on a part time basis that is absent of a lot of those comforts, and being able to reflect on a day where a lot of people gave up everything they have for the freedom that I get to enjoy, that’s what I spend Remembrance Day reflecting on,” Rob said.

Workplaces, schools, and businesses across Australia will acknowledge the day with a minutes silence, and for many reservists and ex-service members that minute will be used to remember those they served with, as they reflect on their time in the Australian Defence Force.

St John WA is a proud employer of Defence personnel, and were acknowledged in 2023 with the National Employer Support Award for its support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservist employees in the non-profit category after being nominated by members of the SJWA team.

For every fallen member of defence. We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Thank you to the Army Museum of Western Australia for allowing us to visit. The museum is open to members of the public and highlights the contributions made by members of defence (focusing on the Australian Army) in all conflicts.