Today we pay respect to the young men and women who bravely served their country and its people, in war zones around the world.

These young sailors, soldiers and airmen, left our safe harbour bound for war-torn distant shores and hostile waters.

Too many never returned, and many more returned mentally and physically damaged forever.

My husband was a junior recruit, enlisting prior to his 16th birthday. A young country lad excited at the prospect of seeing the world.  He was in war zones before his 18th birthday and served with distinction for 20 years.

However, military service rarely ends with retirement from the forces.  Veterans cannot leave behind the horrors of war.  They cannot un-see the things they have needed to see, do or endure in the performance of their duties.

Adding to the traumas of war, Vietnam veterans suffered the indignity of being shunned by the people of Australia on return from the Vietnam conflict. The Vietnam war was not a popular war and the veterans returned home to protests, with protestors even spitting with disgust at veterans.  My husband often spoke of that to me, and I think it hurt him very deeply.  As it did so many of his colleagues.

So today I pay respect to all veterans, both living and passed, who served our country so well through all avenues of war.  People like your Dad @Former-Member  and my husband. 

I will be attending the local ANZAC service in our small town. Even though he was unable to march due to ill health the last 3 years, we were always there for the service. It was a very important day on the calendar for him. I will be there again today, crying tears of loss. Be assured that you served your country well. Rest in peace now my love.

Emelia 💔