RSL Queensland Announces Curtis McGrath As Official Remembrance Day Campaign Ambassador

The inspiring Army veteran is adding his voice to the RSL’s call for all Australians to Remember to Remember and pause for a minute’s silence on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, uniting the nation, acknowledging shared history, and honouring the service and sacrifice on which Australia was built.

Curtis, 33, who lost both legs after stepping on an explosive device while serving in Afghanistan, is working alongside RSL Queensland as its ambassador, shining a light on those who served this country, those who returned home injured or ill and those who still serve today.

Less than a decade after his injury, Curtis achieved an incredible feat for his country, earning Australia’s first gold medal in Para-canoe at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. He defended his title at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and added another gold in the VL3 event.

Curtis believes that ongoing support for veterans through RSL Queensland and its wholly owned subsidiary, Mates4Mates, were imperative to his rehabilitation process.

“When I returned home from Afghanistan and was coping with my injury, RSL Queensland’s Mates4Mates organisation immediately gave me a great sense of support, community, and family,” he said.

“This helped me through all the difficulties and challenges of finding myself as I transitioned out of the military and back into civilian life.”

RSL Queensland State President Tony Ferris said having the support of Curtis, an RSL Queensland member, was an honour for the ex-service organisation.

“Service people often feel a profound sense of loss when they leave Defence and may struggle with fitting back into civilian life. Curtis’ story and the way he overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his transition out of service is one that many in Defence and the wider community can look to for inspiration and hope,” Mr Ferris said.

“Having Curtis as our Remembrance Day 2021 ambassador is a fitting tribute to his true embodiment of the values held strongly by RSL Queensland.”

Curtis will join Mr Ferris at RSL Queensland’s official Remembrance Day ceremony from the Shrine of Remembrance in Brisbane’s ANZAC Square on Thursday 11 November.

RSL Queensland’s official ceremony with Curtis will also be live streamed on the RSL Queensland Facebook page.

For more information on Remembrance Day and where to attend a service at RSL Queensland’s Sub Branches, visit remembertoremember.com.au.

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