Given that last year on Anzac Day I just recycled two previous Anzac Day posts, I’d planned to write something new this year. But I haven’t.
There’s two reasons for this.
One is that I’d thought I might write something about the way the defence establishment has handled various controversies recently, including the incident at the Australian Defence Force Academy. But once I started doing the research it all got a bit too depressing. And I wondered what I might say that hadn’t already been said. So I killed that idea.
The other is that when I looked back at those recycled posts, I realised they actually still say what I think I’d like to say on this occasion. So, recycled posts it is.
Those posts are Anzac Day Rememberings and Anzac Day 2009: Sacrifice.
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.
Lest we Forget
As I wrote two years ago, we trust that our politicians, who decide where and when these men and women serve, make worthy decisions about their most valuable contributions. Sometimes they never return, or return… changed.
Prime Minister Gillard, are you making worthy decisions? Tony Abbott, are your policy proposals also worthy? Please look me straight in the eye when you answer that.
[Photo credit: The rosemary sprig was taken from Matthew Hall‘s Twitter page from 2008. If I owe someone for that usage, I’ll make good.]
Stilgherrian,
Reading your words from 2008 reminds me, as I am often reminded at this time, of Nick’s absence and its reason. It is a day for sad, though not melancholy, remembrance.
There is something uplifting about the quiet and dignified way of Anzac day. You’ve expressed many of my feelings better than I could; thank you.
@Matthew Godfrey: Thank you very much. I still consider those two Anzac Day posts to be some of my best reflective writing. I haven’t been doing much of that sort of thing lately. I intend to return to doing more in the near future. Gods willing.