Australia;s Finest Rememberd

Corporal Daniel Keighran VC's tribute to his fellow Diggers

Katherine Danks 
The Daily Telegraph
November 11, 2012 10:00PM

AUSTRALIA'S newest Victoria Cross recipient Daniel Keighran honoured the nation's fallen soldiers at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Sydney yesterday.

Corporal Keighran, 29, was a guest of honour at a sombre service attended by Governor Marie Bashir and Premier Barry O'Farrell in Martin Place, 94 years after the end of World War I.

Corporal Keighran - awarded the Victoria Cross of Australia for repeated heroics during a 2010 firefight in Afghanistan - laid a wreath of Australian native flowers with General Peter Cosgrove.

As his wife Kathryn looked on, Corporal Keighran momentarily touched the monument after laying the wreath, before joining General Cosgrove in a salute.

"Today, I'm remembering my mates that have passed away," he said later.

"I'm remembering my family that have been involved in wars throughout the years as well, that's what I'm remembering today, especially (during the) minute's silence."

Master of ceremonies John Gatfield paid tribute to the men and women who have died in battle.

"Remembrance Day is to remember the sacrifice of those who died or those who suffered in Australia's cause in all wars and in other conflicts," he said.

After the service, Corporal Keighran was mobbed by supporters who wanted to meet Australia's newest hero.

Corporal Keighran transferred to the active reserve last year and began a new career in the mining industry, and said he did not really enjoy the attention although he was getting "a little bit better at it".

"I don't think I will ever get used to it," he said.

Reservist Ian Cleland asked Corporal Keighran to sign his order of service and congratulated him on the medal.

Eight Australian soldiers marked Remembrance Day by completing a 4500km bike ride from Perth to Sydney.

The month-long Ride 4 Recovery passed through Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra and arrived at Martin Place ahead of the service.

The team raised thousands for Mates 4 Mates, a charity that provides support and guidance for wounded military personnel and their family.

Meanwhile in Canberra, Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Julia Gillard laid wreaths on the Stone of Remembrance and in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial.