Do you remember

byhanley

1.6K followers

8 months ago

Today, in Australia and New Zealand, we pause to commemorate ANZAC Day, a time to honour the brave individuals who served their nations in times of conflict. My own connection to this day runs deep, as my grandfather made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War, finding his final resting place in La Havre, France.

Those global conflicts, with their staggering human cost, often reduced young lives to mere statistics, waves of soldiers lost for minimal territorial gains.I recall attending many dawn parades as a young Sea Scout, marching alongside returning heroes, their presence leaving an indelible mark. Later, as a late teen, I narrowly avoided being selected in the Vietnam War ballot, a conflict that scarred so many of its survivors with lifelong trauma.

For a time, the sheer futility of war filled me with profound resentment. However, I eventually found my way back to honouring the fallen and celebrating the survivors. Yet, the questions remain, echoing through the years: Have we truly learned from the past? Even now, in 2025, we witness the tragic loss of young lives in what often seem like unnecessary conflicts driven by the egos of leaders. The shadow of nuclear annihilation looms, a single impulsive act capable of unleashing unimaginable devastation.

It's a stark reality that, despite the passage of centuries, the fundamental truth – that no one truly wins in war – seems to elude us. Nations across the globe are allocating significant portions of their GDP, around 3%, to bolster their defenses, a preparation for what uncertain future? One can only imagine the transformative impact such vast resources could have if directed towards human welfare instead.

Those living in war-torn regions must surely question the purpose of the relentless violence that claims the lives of their young. My thoughts are with them today.

We will remember.

Peter H