Special Forces veteran slams Remembrance Day protests as students told to ‘show some maturity’

Special Forces veteran Heston Russell has condemned plans for political protests on Remembrance Day, urging Australian students to show “maturity” and respect for the day.

The comments come amid fears unrest in France could spill onto Australian streets, with an anti-capitalist student group using social media to organise a political protest on November 11.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Controversy over planned Remembrance Day protests

The protests began in Paris in late September over teacher shortages and dilapidated school buildings, before spreading across France and escalating into violence with dozens of people injured and hundreds arrested.

The Australian group’s “No to Hanson” planned demonstration is being framed as a show of solidarity with the French protesters, with organisers urging followers to “show our French comrades what we’re fighting for too”.

On Sunrise on Friday, Russell questioned the appropriateness of holding protests on a day he said should “transcend” politics.

He questioned whether schools should allow students to walk out of classrooms to participate in the demonstrations.

“I think it’s a pretty sad state when our students in those classrooms want to walk out on that day, that day that actually brings people together who used to fight and kill each other, to choose to protest something in Australia politically that’s not even linked to what’s going on in France,” he said.

The veteran argued the planned protests risk distracting from the purpose of the day, which honours Australians who have died in all wars and conflicts.

“Your right to protest has been fought for by those very people who have made the ultimate sacrifice that we commemorate on Remembrance Day,” he said.

“It’s not about banning protests. It’s about understanding why we pause to reflect, to remember, and to be respectful.”

He also suggested the protests could inadvertently draw more attention to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, arguing organisers would be better served by choosing another day for their demonstrations.

“I really think they’re actually going to do themselves a misjustice acting as, you know, Pauline Hanson’s unpaid PR team, creating more awareness around her ... as opposed to choosing another day, being respectful, being educated, being informed,” he said.

Addressing students considering taking part, Russell spoke about the personal cost of military service and the families left behind when Australian service personnel do not return home.