Prime minister Kevin Rudd has led a packed St Andrew's Cathedral in prayer for remembrance of those lost in the sinking of HMAS Sydney in 1941.
Mr Rudd gave thanks yesterday for the 645 men who gave their lives in the service of Australia when the HMAS Sydney II was sunk by a German raider in waters off Western Australia.
“We remember their courage, their determination and their diligence, as they gave their all to protect us from oppression. Thank you for the love they had for our nation and their families,” prayed Mr Rudd.
Mr Rudd also gave thanks for the recent discovery of the HMAS Sydney.
"We praise you that we finally have certainty about the last resting place of HMAS Sydney and her crew. Thank you for the sense of closure that this brings to so many relatives and friends."
Mr Rudd interspersed the four prayers with Bible readings from John, the Psalms, Proverbs and 1 Timothy.
Phillip Jensen highlights sacrifice
Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen preached at the service, which was telecast on ABC TV and broadcast on ABC Radio.
Dean Jensen spoke from the book of Ecclesiastes, reminding those present of the great sacrifice of those who died in HMAS Sydney's sinking and the purpose behind their death.
"This crew’s offering of themselves and the lives and sacrifice of thousands of others did protect us and save us," Dean Jensen said.
"But yet their death did not really save the world. Only one man’s death has saved the world."
Dean Jensen challenged those present to understand the greater purpose in their own lives and deaths.
"Life is not meaningless vanity because death is not the end. Our death and resurrection is as sure as the historical facts of Jesus’ death and resurrection," he said.
Dean Jensen also referred to the memorial service held in St Andrew's Cathedral in 1941 for those who were lost in the sinking of the HMAS Sydney and HMAS Parramatta.
"It was right here in St Andrew’s Cathedral in December 1941 that we asked God for "victory in the war' and "a better world to follow'," he said.
"So now it is time to thank God for these men and their sacrifice and thank God for hearing our prayers and bringing us to a better world."
