My father-in-law (deceased) served in the New Zealand Army.

My own father served in World WarI and World WarII, and at the age of 76 said: "If the communists ever show up on Germany's door, he will go again."

Most of my family is from overseas and served in the armed forces of their respective countries.

My ex-husband served over 20 years in the US Army and fought in Desert Storm.

My son-in-law was medically retired from the army after a tour in Iraq.

My nephew gave his life in Afghanistan at the age of 22 and now my grandson is a member of the US Air Force.

It doesn't matter which country you served, those who paid the ultimate price for their devotion and unselfishness need always to be remembered.

Their families also need to be remembered for letting their loved ones be soldiers first.

Mothers who had to be mums and dads to their children during training exercises or tours of duties, and families who now have to visit the grave of a loved one.

We will stand among the crowd, saddened for all the lives lost, but so very proud of each and every one of them.

- HEIDI McGAHAN AND MIKE SPENCER, Launceston.