Anzac Day

I set out on this journey on an extremely reverential day in Australia, namely Anzac Day. It is celebrated on 25 April every year where we take some time to think about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country while serving in its armed forces. We think about those who have served, those who are serving and not only the fallen, but also the wounded and maimed along with those who were lucky enough to make it home alive. It is a day of mixed emotions where sadness and loss are mixed with happiness and euphoria.

In a previous life I worked in the RSL movement and had both the honour and privilege to help members of the RSL community prepare for and celebrate this day. As anyone who knows a returned veteran who has seen the horrors of war it is something they don't often talk about. I always found it incredibly moving to hear their stories (they would often only open up on Anzac day when they were surrounded by their mates and after drinking a few beers). 

I have had the rare privilege of hearing stories about commando raids, working as tail gunner in bomber command, of defusing bombs in the jungles of New Guinea while under enemy fire, of  the trials and tribulations of using the earliest radar jamming equipment while being bombed by your own side and shot at by the enemy, while another witnessed the Nagasaki atomic blast whilst a Japanese prisoner of war. 

These were the war highlights, but they were juxtaposed with stories of love and shenanigans and had more than tinge of sadness when they talked about their mates who were no longer with us. These men and women are getting older, becoming frailer and are worthy of our time and respect. Should you have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with some someone from this period please take the time to do so for you will be richly rewarded.