This was supposed to be the war to end all wars, but was followed by a sequel 21 years later, where ironically in Europe the same adversaries fought over the same ground.

Thousands of Australians enlisted in World War I with more than 416,000 serving during the four year conflict from a population of only five million. Of this huge number, 15,485 Tasmanians volunteered to serve their nation.

During the conflict, Tasmanians would serve with distinction across the globe, making little-known places such as Gallipoli, Villers-Bretonneux and Beersheba famous in Australian history.

While the stories of courage and service are inspiring, the cost to Australia during the Great War was devastating.

The best part of a generation was lost, with more than 60,000 killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, captured and many more were traumatised.

Two-thirds of those who served overseas were killed or wounded-a devastating casualty rate of 65%, one of the highest of any nation in the war.

Tasmania also suffered, with an estimated 3000 servicemen losing their lives during the war.

But then as now, Tasmanians served with bravery, continuing a record of courage that started during the Boer War and continues today in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.

In fact, of the 100 Victoria Crosses won by Australians since the medal's inception, 14 have been awarded to Tasmanians-a tremendous record and one of which the state can be proud.

Last month the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal staged two days of hearings in Hobart to consider the merits of Latrobe sailor, Teddy Sheean, being awarded a Victoria Cross.

In 1942 the teenage recruit gave up his only chance to escape his sinking vessel, HMAS Armidale, strapped himself into an anti-aircraft gun and fired against Japanese aircraft that were strafing his mates in the water.

He went down with the ship, fighting till the end. He was awarded a low level Mentioned in Dispatches by a distracted British Admiralty. I am privileged to have been involved in a sixteen-year campaign to have Teddy properly recognised with an Australian VC and I am hopeful of a positive outcome.

Many Tasmanians are descendants of Anzac's and many more have friends or family with a link to current or former defence force personnel. So many have a story to tell. I too share this family history.

My grandfather HS Barnett joined the Australian Flying Corps 100 years ago. Based in England, he flew a bi-plane which was a little more than canvas, wood and wire. He was nick-nicknamed 'Butcher-Barnett' after landing on some sheep during training!

My wife's grandfather and great uncle both trained in the Tasmanian Lighthorse at Mona Vale near Ross with George Henry Bramich, serving in Palestine from 1916 to the end of the war in 1918.

We no longer remember conflicts with jubilation, but we remember those who served and either died or returned home battle scarred.

Today our landscape and towns are dotted with memorials and plaques commemorating the service and sacrifice of these men and women.

Many of the freedoms that we enjoy today are due to their service, sacrifice and bravery. Their sacrifice deserves full recognition by Australians every day of the year, especially Anzac Day.