I've been away these last few days - no computer, no email, no phone. Felt pretty good to just forget about technology and all my commitments (except the kids) for a couple of days.
Whilst I was away it was ANZAC day. I have always struggled on ANZAC day. I was in the Australian Navy for 11 years and participated in at least 4 Sydney marches as part of a Navy Volunteer Band (I don't think they have these anymore). I was also lucky enough to be involved in regional ceremonies which are a far cry from the large Sydney march but not one bit less emotional.
My struggles stem from my inability to come to terms with the massive waste of life. I'm not a war scholar nor do I hold any formal education in history. But you don't need a formal education to look at names on a war memorial wall to figure out that too many people have died in wars. It also seems incomprehensible when you start considering the civilian lives not counted on these war memorials.
When I see an old digger on ANZAC day or hear the horrible war stories I can't help but cry. ANZAC day needs to remind us of the futility of war and should inspire us to find peaceful solutions to international stalemates and disagreements.
To borrow a phrase....."The inconvenient truth"of war is that people die, families are destroyed, environments are pillaged, and priorities can be skewed.
