We must respect each other that was the strong message to come from Singleton's Anzac Day.
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And by showing respect to others we can respect our past and present servicemen and women.
It is one thing to fight the foe and win the battle but unless those returned servicemen can find a secure future in their own country not only for themselves but for their family and their communities then has the battle and the sacrifice been worth all the pain.
Achieving a future worthy of their sacrifice is in our hands – each and everyone one of us.
Unfortunately we continue to send our young and it is our young into battle.
Despite international peace keeping efforts wars continue to occur and Australian defence personnel continue to die in foreign lands.
At this week’s Anzac Day services our World War 2 veterans were joined by ‘youngsters’ who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan places our defence force is still serving in today more than a decade after they first arrived.
What can the old hands tell us about war – one simply message avoid it at all costs but if there is no other options make sure the peace is worth the fight.
Guest speaker at this year’s Singleton ceremony was Warrant Officer Class 1 John Stonebridge – someone who has spent a good deal of time in Afghanistan. Most recently he was in the country training the local army.
He spoke about the need for us to ‘excel’ as one way to truly remember the fallen.
He also quoted from the late former Prime Minister John Gorton. Gorton was a decorated WW 2 pilot who suffered extensive injuries during his wartime flying service.
Gorton wanted people to solve practical issues after the war to make Australia a better country.
He wanted to see Australia play a serious role on the world stage. He believed the foundations for this role were laid during the war and he hoped in peace his countrymen and women would build on those foundations.
Gorton would no doubt be proud today of some of our achievements including our successful multicultural society.
No doubt he would have loved to have seen the number of young people attending and being involved in Anzac Day commemorations.
