Some events change us. Some events change our community. Some events change our nation and finally, some events change the world. We are perhaps living through one of those world changing events now. It won’t be the first and it won’t be the last such event, but it has pretty much impacted everything. Over one hundred years ago, you could contend, the First World War had a similar effect. It made us more aware of our place on the world stage and it brought terrible death and destruction. Perhaps most importantly, it changed our perception of what it means to be Australian.

During that war, some experienced that firsthand in far away countries, for reasons that were not easily understood. Some never returned from places they went so willingly but were completely unfamiliar with. In the end, they did what they thought was right. They did what they felt obligated to do. They did this for King and Country. It is therefore respectful for us to pause and remember that. To remember their sacrifice and remember those that never returned all those years ago.

In just about every town I’ve been through in Australia, here is some memorial to those that served in the Great War. They are the ones who gave birth to the ANZAC legend. That legacy continues today with the recognition and acknowledgement we provided all those that have served and are serving our country and our community. In the end, it comes down to real people, with real families who made such sacrifices and bear the burden. It is important for us not overlook such sacrifices and continue to celebrate this remarkable part of our heritage that plays such an important part in what we have become.

As many of these heroes did, let’s look to our ‘mates’ for support just as much as providing them support. We are all in this together and can achieve amazing results, as the ANZACs did all those years ago, if we follow their lead and simply try to help. Their courage and resolve was born from not want to ‘let their mates down’. So it should be for us. Like the deeds of the ANZACs all those years ago, it is through our deeds that our legacy will live on and be the foundation for future generations. Let us try and prove a foundation as good as what we have been given. That indeed, would be best way to honour our ANZAC heroes.

Lest We Forget

If you want to learn more about the ANZAC battlefields in northern France, visit my web site – www.anzacsinfrance.com.