Today we remember the Bombing of Darwin. 

On this day, 75 years ago, a war that had drawn Australian blood and treasure to the other side of the world arrived on our shores. 

In a single, harrowing day more ordinance was dropped in two air raids on Darwin than during the attack on Pearl Harbour. Around 250 Australians and allies were killed and 400 wounded. 

Hundreds more were killed in the many raids that followed across northern Australia - in Broome, Port Hedland, Townsville, Exmouth and Katherine.

Today we remember all those who lost their lives on the soil of a nation that had not imagined war would come to its shores. 

We honour their memory, and we renew Australia’s oldest and most sacred promise.

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

SUNDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2017