” They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
Regardless of your views on war and military conflict ANZAC day is an opportunity to stop and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served their country in war. I cannot fathom the depth of courage shown by our soldiers as they obediently stormed the beaches at Gallipoli while under fire. To watch their friends die alongside them. To relentless engage their enemy and pursue their objective despite the overwhelming odds. It’s not just the ANZAC’s I remember today though:
I remember those who bore the inhumanity of concentration camps with dignity and hope,
I remember those who tended to the wounded and dying while under resourced and overwhelmed with need,
I remember those who made the best decisions they could at the time as directed their troops from afar,
I remember those who did what they could from home because they couldn’t go themselves and then cared for the broken men and women who returned,
I remember those who returned but bore the torment of the lost friend and the horrors of war for the rest of their lives.
I remember because I am thankful for those who served, for their willingness to answer the call of their community and to fight for freedom.
I remember because I see a world where the political rhetoric is increasingly concerning and I fear our world is steadily heading towards another global conflict.
I remember because I need to be reminded that the world is bigger than my little bubble.
Lest we forget.
A great website with some the history of the Anzacs at Gallipoli