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A thought permeates my mind and heart…

Would those who died have begrudged fun and joy during a day set aside to honour them? Whether or not we go to an Anzac Day football match, to the beach or to the park; does that not in some way display the thanks we feel to our fallen and gallant forefathers for that opportunity?

Sadness will only seep into my heart if those who choose to honour our fallen heroes at the marches, at the memorials and the cemeteries hold feelings of anger or righteous indignation at those who choose to celebrate that day with happiness, with friends and with family.

Were our forefathers, our fathers, we - were any of us ordered, told, forced, cajoled or even tempted to remember those who fell before and for us? I think not. We each celebrate their memory in our own way. Is there a doubt that any Australian, asked what Anzac Day is designated for, would have the correct answer? It may be as simplistic an answer as “To remember those who died for us”, but I doubt if the answer would be “so we can go to the football game”.

Would not those who gave their lives be joyful that their successors have the opportunity to do that that makes them happy? Is that not the ideal for which they died?

While Australians have a day set aside each year to honour our past heroes their legacy will never be forgotten. And if the call ever comes, heaven forbid, for our children, or our children’s children to carry the flag, there will be those who refuse, but countless millions of others will answer that call to preserve their heritage. That despite the fact that they may have spent every Anzac Day of their young lives at a football game, a cricket game, a pie stand, a beach, watching television or at a memorial service.

I know I did!

©Anthony W. Pahl
Tuesday, 25^th April 2000

Page created: Wednesday, 23 May 2001