Anzac Day reflections

[Magpie22]

Hi all, 

It has been a while since I’ve posted. Life has been busy - well busier than usual - and I’ve also been having one of those periods where my identity as a veteran has felt like it doesn’t quite fit. 

But given today is Anzac Day it’s prompted me to reflect. It was a year ago that these forums started and I’ve been around since then. I think of those who have reached out for connection or advice and those who’ve offered support. I think we have all filled both of these roles at different times. I think that is what connects us as veterans - the desire

to look out for each other - that value of service that doesn’t leave us even when we leave the ADF. 

Today I’m also thinking of the good and bad parts of my service. The good is the great people I’ve served with, the things I’ve learned, the opportunities to push myself, knowing that I’ve made a difference. These outweigh the bad but don’t erase them. It’s about making space for both parts to co-exist. That’s been the learning in my recovery. I can be impacted AND have positive memories. And that’s ok.

This Anzac Day morning I went to a service with my son. I didn’t wear my medals, something I’m always uncomfortable about, but standing there I was struck that I am part of a legacy. The ANZACs didn’t invent mateship or sacrifice but they reminded us of those qualities that we recognise and see in so many spheres. 

I'm interested in hearing other Anzac Day reflections or what you did (if anything) to mark the day. 

[tyme]

Thank you for your ANZAC Day Reflections @Magpie22  . These reflections are profound.

Looking to hear the reflections of others too @Oaktree @goatlatte @RiverSeal @TAB @Azalea @yggdrasil @Ocean11 @ajp @Breakfast68 @Faz22 @Toowrite @Sir @NikooJalilvand @OA_24 @Ron64 @TM71 @RJ97 @Croix @Veronica6 @Reed @EvR @JenGee @AstroB @TipToe @AlexAble @Radder @PeppyPatti @AloneBroken @Greentothebone @JJSmith @AllAboutMissy @MatchaToad 

What does ANZAC Day mean to you?

[Appleblossom]

I really appreciated a Viet vet giving a humble heartfelt talk about being in the services, in a church this week.

I tried to generate interest in going to some memorial with a kiwi friend but she wasn't up for it. 

I decided I was too much a walking wounded myself with my hip condition, that I decided not to go to the Dawn service.

I ate a couple of bikkies with respect with a friend, who had shown me letters from her family sent back from Gallipoli.

I said a few times in the week I did want to glorify war, but I respect the Aussie ANZAC tradition, and was mindful and had a few gentle discussions.

An old friend who remembered when we had gone into the Shrine of Remembrance dropped in and visited me today.  I lit a candle quietly in my home.

I am thankful that my last memory of my dad is giving his service number to mother so we could benefit from Legacy when he died later that night. Though not that he died. It was unnecessary and a failure of the so called health services. I try to be accurate in my gratitude practices. Tired of being played for a fool cos we were poor.

I have been flat out

[DogMan79]

I have an odd relationship with these days

I've never served. My grandpa did and former BIL did

I was born in 1979. None of my family instilled respect for soldiers. Nor did my teachers. My high school did not teach history. It was available as an elective in senior years, which I never took. My primary school set aside time for history. But 7 years worth of teachers all just said that war is stupid so didn't teach it

The only history lessons I learned in school were things like "What did people do before television?", invention of the telephone (With no reference to military) etc

So my relationship is tense. It's only the last few years, in my 40s, that I've looked upon it with any respect. Since I was very much raised by flower children generation

[tyme]

Great reflection @DogMan79 

I remember when compulsory Australian history and geography was rolled out. I had to complete it as part of my year 10 certificate. 

Before that, youngsters didn't even know anything about what it took for Australia to have the liberties it does today.

Then yes, like you, it became an elective after year 10 and hardly anyone took the subject @DogMan79 

If it wasn't taught at school, I would definitely have no idea about Australia's history as well as the significance of ANZAC DAY.

LEST WE FORGET

We remember those who fought for the freedom of Australia.

@Magpie22 @Appleblossom @Oaktree @Captain24 

[Breakfast68]

Hey everyone, 

also been a very long time since I engaged and also posted. 
I hope those who were able to be in a safe environment and surrounded by friends and family, all had a great day. 

Unfortunately, mine was quite the opposite for one reason alone. 
My ex wife took the advice of a local police officer in vic who advised her that any of my belongings left I the home should be destroyed, disposed of or she should go for a drive and discard them. I have been seeking help to 7 months to retrieve personal property and mail etc. 

On Monday this week, I reached out to the said police officer and essentially pleaded with him to help me. He just flat our refused and even gloated about the advice he had given her (particularly with the fact she has another man she was having an affair with for the last 12 months of our marriage, living in my home). 

Anyway - she acted on his advice and proceeded to throw my service medals, dog tags, beret and other service related personal items in to a fire and destroyed them. 

The fact the officer was gloating and told me - Bad luck hey, now go away.

Just wanted to get it off my chest and  ow I’ll start processing a pretty bad week. Did not  venture outside or go anywhere, as I feel like a fraud and imposter if she has destroyed the one real thing I most proud of. 
Apologies for the heavy content 

[tyme]

Hey @Breakfast68 ,

I'm sorry to hear about what has happened. It sounds like a tremendously difficult situation.

I hear that that last act of destroying the one thing you were proud of would've been so traumatic for you, let a lone not getting support from those who are supposed to help.

You are a soldier at heart. You are brave at heart. You have the pride of fighting for your country. And NO ONE can take that away from you.

We are here this day, remembering you and your fellow people.

We support you.

[DogMan79]

My grandparents were part of the Soldier Settler Program after WW2

The first trials of similar after WW1 went really badly. My grands were in the refined version up vaguely Mildura area

"Gifted" farm land (Apparently actually zero interest loans, with no minimum repayment) as payment for service

My grandparents had a vineyard, long before the Aussie wine boom

[Captain24]

My great grandfather was one of the first light horse men in the First World War. Then mum also had uncles and a father in the Second World War. Her father was also in Vietnam where he did 2 tours. Dad’s brother was in Vietnam but he paid the ultimate price from your country. Also mums aunty, up until recently, was the longest serving female in the Australian army. 

Anzac Day has been talked about and held with respect since I was born. Until I started the job I’m currently in I had never missed an Anzac service or Remembrance Day service. I also got the Vietnam vets service as well. 

I hold great respect for all our service men and women, past and present. 

While I was at work today, the boss did the ode and a minutes silence at 11 as respect to all who have served. 

@tyme 

[Magpie22]

@Breakfast68 what an awful experience - your ex really has done her best to hurt you. But I’m really glad to see you back here in the forums, you’ve been on my mind. 

As others have said, your service lives on in the dignity you show through this experience, through the courage you show to keep going, through your values and your story. she has destroyed the physical mementos but not your service. You should continue to feel proud because she cannot take that away. 

Im glad you are doing what you need to feel safe right now, but when you are ready, you can get your service medals reissued.

 https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/honours-awards/guidelines/replacement-medals

If it feels overwhelming perhaps someone at your local RSL can assist you or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association https://atsiva.au/

Stay safe, I am really glad to see you back on the forums.