"It is to remember that many who returned were also harmed, so that they and their families continued to suffer. When we wish for peace it is to remember that the lasting meaning of their suffering – their warning to those who follow – remains unheeded so long as there is war.
For while their service has ended – their battlefields covered over with meadow, field and forest, jungle and desert sand – let us make of their absence a powerful presence. May we forever hold them in our minds, and the loved ones they left behind.”
This was written for a war memorial in the city of Canning by Whish Wilson.
I'll never forget and I'll always be grateful for the sacrifice made by members of my family and others but am more and more finding Anzac day is becoming an 'event' or used for 'reasoning' to justify things more than a time of solemn reflection.
When my 8 year old daughter says to me in the car coming back from dawn service "I wish we were at war so you and (her big brother) could fight!" It showed me that there is a problem with the younger generations outlook of war and romanticising it isn't a good idea.
War is and always has been horrific for those involved in the fighting and dealing with the consequences of that fighting.
I found the below site pretty much sums up my thoughts and while I dont agree with the entire article he does have some very good points.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2015/a ... ony-of-war