ANZAC Day is a day to say thank you.

Regardless of the individual reasons why a person chooses to join our defence forces; regardless of the political reasons why they might be deployed; the men and women making up our army, navy and air force have volunteered to do what we ourselves are perhaps not prepared to do. They knowingly put themselves in harm’s way for the greater benefit of our community.

The challenges our defence personnel face on the battlefield are almost impossible for others who have not walked in those shoes to understand. A ‘bad day in the office’ takes on a whole different meaning. Can you imagine going to work and at the end of a bad day that you or your mates have suffered life changing wounds? Can you imagine how your every action or inaction could result in you or your mates being killed? Our defence personnel on the battlefield endure this stress every moment of every day and every night while in that ‘office’.

The consequences of life and death decisions made in the moment can haunt for a lifetime.

Some will never return home to their loved ones having made the ultimate sacrifice. Many will return with physical and psychological injuries that will challenge them for the remainder of their years. The impact of their sacrifice is huge on their families too.

Sadly there are many veterans whose lives have disintegrated as a consequence of their service for the greater good of our community. Thousands of modern day veterans are reported to be sleeping on the streets. Read more. Help them where you can as a token of our gratitude for the debt we owe.

To get involved, take a look at Soldier On

This ANZAC Day …

When you see a veteran, smile.

When you talk with a veteran, take the time to say thank you.

ANZAC Day is also a day where we can pause to think of those special people in our lives who make significant personal sacrifices for the good of others. Remember to say thank you to them too.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 
At the going down of the sun and in the morning 
We will remember them.”