Remembrance Day – Reflecting on War, Witnessing for Peace
About ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day
ANZAC Day (25 April) commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in 1915. It honours all who served and died in military operations, and is marked by dawn services, marches, and community reflection.
Remembrance Day (11 November) marks the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. At 11:00 a.m., Australians observe a minute’s silence to remember those who have died in all wars and conflicts. It is a time to reflect on the cost of war and commit to a life of peace.
Introduction
This Remembrance Day (11 November 2025), we honour the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women. But we also reflect on the ongoing impact of war—especially the hidden horrors like landmines, which continue to injure and kill long after battles end.
In 2023, landmines and explosive remnants of war caused 2,426 deaths globally. As of March 2025, 165 countries have joined the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, a testament to decades of advocacy—including efforts led by Sister Patricia Pak Poy. The Young Christian Workers (YCW) in Adelaide supported Sister Patricia’s work in education and campaigning against landmines.
This enquiry focuses on Frank Hunt, a soldier injured by a landmine in Vietnam, whose story of survival and resilience became a symbol of healing and remembrance.
SEE
Reading: Begin by reading the extract from the Official Magazine of the Australian War Memorial, Issue 25 (page 8), which details the events of 21 July 1969 involving Frank Hunt and 3 Platoon.
Reflection Questions: In your own words, capture what happened to 3 Platoon during the patrol. What was Frank Hunt’s experience in particular?
Song: Listen to the song ‘I Was Only 19’ by Redgum. You may follow the lyrics or watch the video for deeper reflection.
JUDGE
Reflection Questions
- What strikes you most about Frank Hunt’s story?
- What are the ethical implications of landmine use in warfare?
- How do stories like Frank’s challenge the way we commemorate war?
ACT
Action Questions
- How can Remembrance Day contribute to healing stories like Frank’s?
- What would you say to Frank Hunt if you could?
- How can we, as members of Cardijn Community Australia, continue the legacy of peace advocacy that Sr. Patricia led?
The lyrics to I Was Only 19
Further readings:
A Vietnam hero: Frank Hunt OAM
The real life story behind Redgum’s ‘I was only 19’