General News
15 November, 2025
‘Don’t forget the past’
AN Air Force officer has reminded those gathering on Remembrance Day in Cairns to never forget the lessons of the past.
Group Captain David Turner of the Royal Australian Air Force, director of Air Force museums in the history and heritage branch, delivered the keynote address.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, he said: “If we forget the lessons of the past, we’re bound to repeat them in future”.
“It’s not about glorifying war, but recognising the sacrifices made.
“Especially now, in times of strategic uncertainty, it’s very important to learn from the past.”
Cpt Turner said Cairns held a special place in military history, noting it hosted one of the southern hemisphere’s largest flying boat bases during World War II.
“Catalinas were launched here, operations were prepared further north into New Guinea and the Philippines.
“It was a vital stepping stone. Beyond the bases and aircraft, it’s the personal stories of men and women who served that truly tell the story of Australia.”
Hundreds of residents lined the Cairns Esplanade on Tuesday morning to mark Remembrance Day, paying tribute to Australians who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Two retired commanders, whose parents and grandparents had served in different conflicts, also shared their reflections. Commander Sandy Coulson and Commander Peter Coulson, both of whom served in the Royal Australian Navy, spoke about the day’s significance and the value of peace.
Mrs Coulson’s parents first met in an air raid shelter during World War II.
She said the day remained significant as the number of living veterans from past conflicts continues to decline.
“We live in a wonderful country where peace prevails despite some of the nasty stuff happening in Australia.
“We need to remember that people fought for these freedoms,” she said, wearing her late father’s bomber command medals in tribute to his service.
Mr Coulson, who served in Vietnam, recalled his time operating in Southeast Asia, escorting convoys off the coast of Malaysia. “I lost five friends on active service, but more than that, in peacetime training activities,” he said.
