Remembrance Day: Reflections on service, sacrifice and legacy

On Remembrance Day, we take a moment to reflect on what the day means through the lens of one of our own – veteran and Parbery Principal Rob Pickersgill.  

 Rob looks back on his time in service and honours the important people who served alongside him, and the legacy they have left behind. 

Remembrance Day holds a deeply personal place in my life. Having served in the Australian Army for 28 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made in service of our country in Rwanda, East Timor and Iraq. It’s not just about honouring the past—it’s about recognising the legacy of those who came before us, understanding the weight of their actions, and carrying their memories forward. My own journey in uniform has been shaped by the values, traditions, and resilience of those who served before me, and with me, and I see that same spirit now in my two sons, who continue the proud tradition of service in the Australian Army. 

For me, Remembrance Day is also about connection—across generations, across time, and across shared experiences. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on my mates who are no longer with us. Their stories, their laughter, their courage—they deserve to be remembered not just as soldiers, but as people who gave everything for something greater than themselves. Telling their stories keeps their memory alive and ensures that their sacrifice is never forgotten. It also continues to confirm why they were important people in my life and validate why I still miss them. I personally wear a ring that was worn by my close mate, Nick Hill, who we lost only two years ago. This allows me to tell his story, it allows him to be remembered for he was, and for his significant contribution to the service of this nation. 

Finally, Remembrance Day is a bridge between history and the future. It reminds us of the cost of freedom and the importance of service. It teaches us to value peace, to honour duty, and to never take for granted the lives we live today. In remembering and reflecting, we not only pay tribute—we learn, we grow, and we continue to shape a future worthy of their legacy and ours. 

 Lest We Forget