heartharmony.com.au

Anzac Day in Australia is one of our iconic days. Each country has its national days in celebration of what is particularly special about that country. In relation to people who have or been injured in wars, most countries in the world choose to celebrate and remember on a day that marks one of their most impressive victories.

We choose to remember one of the days of our greatest defeat. Ever practical. Ever realistic. Ever blunt. We remember the greatest stuff up in military planning where thousands lost their lives needlessly in battle. Thousands of people who followed their leaders knowing the leaders had got it wrong … but following anyway to their death because it was the “right thing to do”.

On Anzac Day we don’t just remember the military disasters. We remember all of those who fought and lost their lives in all wars and all battles (even the forgotten ones like Korea). We remember the mateship that happens when people face the unthinkable. We remember those who returned carrying mental scars deeper than any physical wound.

And we remember how we as a nation reacted when our veterans returned – sometimes well and sometimes embedding deeper wounds on our veterans psyche’s when we coldly ignored their sacrifices.

We watch the veterans walk a little bit prouder on that one day of the year when it is OK for them to remember the horrors of war … the sounds of battle still ringing in their ears … the loss of comrades felt once again strongly as they march with gaps in the ranks.

Even if we don’t agree the reasons behind the wars – we still recognise and celebrate the strength and courage of those who followed either their personal beliefs or just followed orders and gave their lives, their health or their futures in support of their beliefs.

So on this Anzac Day – I salute all people in all wars … men, women and children. May we eventually learn a different way and never have another war.

Until next time

Ingrid Cliff
Heart Harmony

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