Col Judd Finger, Act. Cmdr 1 Brigade, discusses the importance of Remembrance Day

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
At eleven o'clock this morning, people across the country will

(00:02):
observe the one minute silence to honor the fallen and
to reflect on their sacrifice. Now joining us in the
studio is Colonel Judd Finger, commander of the first Brigade.
Good morning to.

Speaker 2 (00:15):
You, Good morning Katie, thanks for having joining Greg.

Speaker 1 (00:17):
Yeah, thank you so much for your time now, Colonel,
today is one of the most significant days on the
commemorative calendar. What does Remembrance Day mean to you and
to those currently serving in the Australian Defense Force?

Speaker 2 (00:31):
Two parts. It's a real reflection on the absolute tragedy
and loss of life and the major conflicts have gone
before us and particularly those soldier, sellers and aviators have
made the ultimate sacrifice. But more importantly from my perspective,
is actually acknowledging that we still have one hundreds, if
not thousands of Defense Force personnel still out in the
region globally conducting operations and activities. They're away from families

(00:54):
and loved one. They continue to do business on behalf
of Australia's national interests.

Speaker 1 (00:58):
And you know, continue to put themselves in danger. I
know every day might not be a dangerous situation. But
they're making that sacrifice, you know, they're away from their families.

Speaker 2 (01:07):
For us, for Australia, Yeah, and we look back Rememberance days,
the ultimate sacrifice of those who have paid with their lives.
But the nature of service, of working in the military
is the everyday sacrifice. Has been away from families, been
away from loved ones, continual postings and serving overseas and
months on end every year for whatever nation requires office.

Speaker 1 (01:28):
How important is it do you think for younger generations
to continue observing the one minute silence and understanding the
history behind Remembrance Day.

Speaker 2 (01:38):
I think there's two parts to it. The first is
the absolute tragedy of war. We should never forget the
loss when you look at the two major wars, tens
of millions of Savins, solar sales and aviators have lost
their lives. But also to acknowledge the hard work, the
sacrifices and the unity that Australia and particularly the Darwin
community is suffered through World War II and what it

(02:00):
means to us as a nation.

Speaker 1 (02:02):
I mean, when you look at our history here in
the Northern Territory and you know the volume of defense
personnel that we've got here in the Northern Territory as well.
Do you think that that makes a daylight today even
more special and more significant?

Speaker 2 (02:15):
I think it's twofold. First, it's a defense town, as
we were discussing before, and the defense community is a
part of the community for many decades. But you know,
Darwin has a really rich and strong history with war
World War II, for the bombing of Darwin. You know,
Darwin was eminently involved with conflict. It is seen through

(02:35):
the population of that suffering that concurred to the civilian
population times of war. So I think it makes it
even more reflective in the Darwin community.

Speaker 1 (02:43):
We know that many Australians might not have a direct
family linked to military service, but what would you say
to encourage them to really take part in the remembrance
state commemorations.

Speaker 2 (02:54):
Yeah, this isn't a celebration. It's a day of remembrance. Yeah,
and it's a day of reflection. And I'll go back
to the two parts. The first is to actually knowledge
the tragedy of war. We are not here to celebrate
at all, but also just pay thanks and tribute to
those who've laid down their lives in the service of
their nation.

Speaker 1 (03:12):
And Finally, how are your members of the first Brigade
marking the day? I mean not only here at home,
but also for those that might be deployed.

Speaker 2 (03:20):
You know, we've got the Brigade out in full force
today amongst the community to conduct and oversee member and
services at a number of schools age care facilities. Will
be at the Dalmen Cenotaph this morning to do the
member in service. As I said, we're part of the community.
We'll have soldiers out with their children at schools and
we'll have it soldiers out in the community to give

(03:42):
back to those who who have supported us throughout the years.

Speaker 1 (03:46):
What's it like then when you're head out to the schools. Firstly,
you know, the kids must be sort of I think,
really interested and engaged in what you've got to say.

Speaker 2 (03:56):
And it's interesting to note that a lot of those
children come from Defense members. To the schools have Defense
families and Defense children who move every two to three years.
If you're a child and Defense you're probably making ten
moves throughout your childhood years. So it's really good to
give back to those schools.

Speaker 1 (04:11):
Yeah, and it must be a proud time for those
kids as well, you know, to sort of learn more
about their family members' work.

Speaker 2 (04:18):
It is and in a lot of it's marked by sacrifice,
the moves, the constant time, having mum and dad away
from the family unit of months on end every year.
So it's always good to give back to the community.

Speaker 1 (04:29):
And kinnl what about when you go out to those
age care facilities, because for some of those in the
age care facilities, they may have even spent time in
the Defense Force at some point, or they may have
you know, have been here well, you know around, and
their families may have been involved within the Defense Force.
It's probably a really special time for them as well. Difficult,

(04:50):
but special.

Speaker 2 (04:51):
Yeah, And it's always good to give back to different
parts of the community, age care facilities and schools, in
particular with the youth and the elderly. And as you mentioned,
a lot of the elderly been children through this war.
So even some of the exceptionally elderly probably part of
the war, have served within the wars.

Speaker 1 (05:07):
Well, Colonel Judd Finger, the commander of first Brigade, really
appreciate your time this morning. Now, I know that there's
also the service along the Esperanade today as well, isn't
there there is. Yeah, I'm sure that'll be a moving
service bit of wet weather around, so hopefully things clear
up a little bit for that this morning.

Speaker 2 (05:25):
Thanks Kati, thanks for having on your program.

Speaker 1 (05:27):
Thank you, thanks so much for your time.