TOMORROW I will remember the Tasmanian Aborigines who fought against my ancestors in the Black War (1824-31).
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Not many people know much about this war.
Australian War Memorial Director Brendan Nelson consistently denies there was a war.
Some of the leaders of the Aborigines at the time were Mannalargenna, Eumarrah, Tongerlongeter, Monpeliatta, Woorady, Towterrer and Walyer.
Not many people even know their names.
They were heroic defenders of their homes, their people, their way of life and their land.
They were soldiers in their own right and valiant patriots to the very end.
The Black War was fought right here in Tasmania, largely between Launceston and Hobart.
On Anzac Day tomorrow, I will remember the Aborigines' war dead.
I will honour them.
I will also think of the Tasmanian Aborigines who have survived to this day and remember my home is on their land.
- PHIL HAMMOND, Kings Meadows.