My day started dark and cold in George Town for the dawn service. You could sense the quiet talk, footsteps and the hum of human purpose as locals walked toward the cenotaph from their various directions. A lovely, sombre service – just as it should be. I’m glad it was cold – it was a gentle reminder of the savage, bitter conditions I imagine our brave diggers enduring in the trenches.
Later, it warmed the heart to see the huge community turnout by young and old for Anzac Day at the 11am service in Launceston. As the veterans marched they were clapped and cheered on by crowds three and four deep lining the streets. They were a modest bunch, but entirely aware of the respect in which they are held by us Aussies.
And then came the schoolchildren, many with the medals of family members pinned on their right breast, marching behind. Dozens of veteran and community organisations laid wreaths at the centotaph under sunny blue sky, and the crowd joined Pastor Craig Spaulding in prayer and the recessional.
It was a solemn event and demonstrates the wonderful depth of community, respect for veterans and hopes for peace in this great city of ours and indeed, our world.
I thank God for these men and women, what they did and why.
Lest we forget.
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