As
April 25th comes around again, I find myself reflecting on the
meaning of ANZAC Day to me. And while we
say the Ode today, I will be remembering not only my father and several uncles who
served in WWII, and those of my family who went before them, but all of those
men and women who have served. I will
remember especially those who did not come home and all of those who came home
forever changed, as well as those who did not see fighting, but served in
different ways both at home and abroad.
ANZAC has very
much become a part of our national vocabulary. The people who lived
though that campaign were ordinary volunteers, just as Australia’s current
veterans were ordinary volunteers. They
put their daily lives on hold to serve and protect us all, most with very
little clear idea of just what they were volunteering for.
My family was
extremely lucky, in both world wars, to have most of those who served not only
come home, but come home fairly unscathed.
Once second cousin was killed in France in World War 1 ; one uncle died
in the Merchant Navy in World War 2. All
the other relatives who served – my father, uncles and great-uncles - returned
safely to their loved ones. While they
all had to live with the memories of the conflicts, they were mostly uninjured
by their experiences and able to rebuild their civilian lives.
So many others
were not so fortunate. Numerous Australian
families endured the loss of loved ones on foreign soil, or the return of
family members forever scarred by their service. So many who returned faced a lifetime of
ruined health or years of recovery and rehabilitation. My family was lucky indeed.
I am forever
grateful to all of you who have served and sacrificed on our behalf. It is a
solemn undertaking to be ready to put your life on the line for your Country.
One that is deserving of our gratitude.
Lest we forget.
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