Comments on: Community turns out for Anzac Day http://michaelferguson.com/2009/04/community-turns-out-for-anzac-day/ Liberal member for Bass Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:17:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Andrew Nikolic http://michaelferguson.com/2009/04/community-turns-out-for-anzac-day/comment-page-1/#comment-50 Andrew Nikolic Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:05:03 +0000 http://michaelferguson.com/?p=200#comment-50 Michael, Your ongoing commitment to our veterans is greatly appreciated. They rose to the challenge they were confronted with, using the strength of their commitment to Australia and each other. I believe what they showed was ‘elan’ – a group decision not to give in and to put the needs of others before their own. I also believe this is an important legacy they bestowed on future generations of Australians – both in and out of uniform. The brotherhood shared by our veterans was sharpened by adversity. No matter how hard things got, they could rely on those around them. Every time we step up, irrespective of whether it’s in uniform or not, we reflect the sort of traits and qualities that are acknowledged as part of our uniquely Australian character. That resilience, determination, compassion, self-sacrifice and tolerance that draws us together, despite our different origins. Many of those first ANZACs could trace their origins back to other countries and different cultures. From Gallipoli onwards our Australian identity asserted itself with increasing strength. The lesson they conveyed is that where we come from is of far less importance than what we become. Just as the ANZACs showed a collective commitment to Australia and each other, we have an obligation to continue down the same path. What better way to honour them than by striving for our best in our daily lives. Looking after our mates and extending the hand of friendship to those in need. Like you, I enjoyed a moving ANZAC Day experience in Canberra. In three tours to the Middle East since 1990, I’ve been privileged on occasions to experience ANZAC Day at some of our special historical places. Australians buried far from home. Their strength of commitment evident even today. So far from their homes and loved ones. Ordinary Australians who did extraordinary things. The example of our veterans is a challenge to all of us to adopt the ANZAC spirit of personal sacrifice for the common interest, devotion to our work and study, mateship, team spirit and an unshakeable belief in the future of our country. Lest we forget. Andrew Nikolic Michael,

Your ongoing commitment to our veterans is greatly appreciated.

They rose to the challenge they were confronted with, using the strength of their commitment to Australia and each other. I believe what they showed was ‘elan’ – a group decision not to give in and to put the needs of others before their own.

I also believe this is an important legacy they bestowed on future generations of Australians – both in and out of uniform. The brotherhood shared by our veterans was sharpened by adversity. No matter how hard things got, they could rely on those around them.

Every time we step up, irrespective of whether it’s in uniform or not, we reflect the sort of traits and qualities that are acknowledged as part of our uniquely Australian character. That resilience, determination, compassion, self-sacrifice and tolerance that draws us together, despite our different origins.

Many of those first ANZACs could trace their origins back to other countries and different cultures. From Gallipoli onwards our Australian identity asserted itself with increasing strength. The lesson they conveyed is that where we come from is of far less importance than what we become.

Just as the ANZACs showed a collective commitment to Australia and each other, we have an obligation to continue down the same path. What better way to honour them than by striving for our best in our daily lives. Looking after our mates and extending the hand of friendship to those in need.

Like you, I enjoyed a moving ANZAC Day experience in Canberra. In three tours to the Middle East since 1990, I’ve been privileged on occasions to experience ANZAC Day at some of our special historical places. Australians buried far from home. Their strength of commitment evident even today. So far from their homes and loved ones. Ordinary Australians who did extraordinary things. The example of our veterans is a challenge to all of us to adopt the ANZAC spirit of personal sacrifice for the common interest, devotion to our work and study, mateship, team spirit and an unshakeable belief in the future of our country.

Lest we forget.

Andrew Nikolic

]]>