I attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at our local RSL last week. ANZAC Day has grown considerably in the Australian psyche in the last 10 years.
Amidst the heavy downpour, many people still attended the Box Hill Dawn Service. In typical RSL fashion, the organisers decided to continue the service despite the rain.
The local Cadet Unit provided the guard. It was wonderful to see these teenagers of the Cadet Unit maintain their poise and dignity in atrocious conditions with a resilience that was appreciated by all.
The numbers and variety of people that attended staggered me. The appalling weather was not a deterrent. After the service, over the traditional “gunfire” breakfast, I observed the warmth of conversation and feeling among the crowd.
This is in total contrast to when I first joined the Army in 1983. We were spat upon and abused on ANZAC Day by the various protest groups. It was the sign of the times; the cold war, a real fear around nuclear weapons, USA vs USSR. Fear was the norm.
In 2012, there seems to be a real effort by many to understand what makes up the ANZAC tradition. Is it courage, initiative, teamwork or that uniquely Australian quality of mateship? It seems to me that that quality “mateship” is gradually making a comeback; that sense of providing unconditional support and not leaving anyone behind and helping a mate when they fall behind.
The Phil's-osophy
For all its faults and failings, Australia is and continues to be an amazing country. Let us continue to contribute to make this nation what it is – a safe and great country with a “mateship” philosophy that embraces all.
To your continuing success,
Phil.
www.philipwagner.com.au
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