Music has long played a leading role in Grego Pillay's life so it was only natural when wanting to find a way to "give back" to the country he feels has blessed him and his family so much that he would turn to song to do so.
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The Newcastle father, musician and minister of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Toronto and Boolaroo has released a new song titled We Will Remember Them in time for Anzac Day.
"I wrote the song in memory and tribute to the great Anzacs who fought for freedom," Pillay said.
"The legacy of their hard work and sacrifice lives on to this day. I wanted to honour that."
Pillay moved from South Africa to Australia with his wife, Dr Jessica Maistry, and their two children in 2007.
The longer he lived in Australia the more, Pillay said, he came to understand about the culture and qualities the nation and its residents pride themselves on - endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship, qualities that are intrinsically linked to the Anzacs.
These qualities are often defined as the Anzac spirit.
"There is great celebration for and emphasis on the Anzacs in this country," Pillay said.
"The Anzac legend is something very unique to Australian culture, something that's vastly different to other cultures in the world. The Anzacs had these qualities that modern Australians see in themselves.
"There's a profound culture of mateship in this country, we champion the underdog and see people for who they are. From my perspective, Australian culture is about equality; we're equal regardless of education status, background or wealth."
We Will Remember Them
In 2014 Pillay and his family became "fully fledged Aussies".
As an Australian citizen, Pillay said he wanted to contribute to his country, which is where the idea for the song was born.
"Music is a significant part of what I do in everything. I deal with everything through a musical lens. I listen to music before making decisions, it's part of my ministry," he said.
"Australia is a nation that has embraced me and my family. It's significant that I can contribute to my country through music, to sing this song as a tribute to the Anzacs."
Pillay released his first musical recording, an 11-track album titled Never Let Go, in 2017. The album covers gospel, blues, country, classical, swing and light rock.
While his favourite instrument is the voice - "it's the instrument I can take everywhere with me" - Pillay has taught himself to play the guitar, piano, harmonica, saxophone and cello.
The independently released We Will Remember Them is Pillay's next public offering, which he hopes will be the first in a new series inspired by the Australian landscape, people and culture.
- ALSO READ: Grego Pillay making music despite prejudice
We Will Remember Them lyrics
They were fighting for our freedom
In a land far away
Leaving behind family
And now they go to battle
Not sure to return
Giving their lives as a sacrifice
Giving their lives for a future that's bright
They were mighty men of valour
Worriers for truth
Soldiers in the battle
We will salute
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember
We will remember them
And now we celebrating
The victory today
Remembering our heroes
On this special day
Men who were courageous
Solid in the faith
Determined to go all the way
Unafraid unashamed
Determined to go all the way
Unafraid unashamed
They were mighty men of valour
Worriers for truth
Soldiers in the battle
We will salute
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember
We will remember them
We will remember
We will remember them
We will remember
We will remember them