Remember Why They Went, And Never Forget Their Sacrifice
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday April 26, 2008
In delivering his "say no to war" message, Stephen Alomes ("Saying no to war should mean just that", April 25) fails to deliver the king hit. In the case of most of the wars remembered on Anzac Day, Australia's young were sacrificed serving someone else's interests, and by and large history has let the decision-makers off the hook.
Australia's participation in any part of World War I, including Gallipoli, had nothing to do with freedom or saving our country.The sad outcome now is that Bush, Blair and Howard are getting the same free ride over Iraq as did the European war mongers of the 20th century. Lest we forget? Iraq says we have. George Cotis Port Hacking As our society slowly deteriorates, interest in and support of the Anzac legend intensifies. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel.Max Vallis Wembley (WA)Once again there was a great turnout for the Anzac Day march in Sydney. The one sour note was the Millennium Marching Band having "Yamaha" emblazoned over its bass drums. When you consider the atrocities inflicted by the Japanese on some of those brave men and women marching, it was insensitive and in poor taste. I hope the band keeps its blatant advertising under wraps next year, if it is invited back.John Harding EastwoodBrilliant and balanced, your Anzac Day editorial. Indeed, dulce et decorum.John Morgan PaddingtonNo other regular Sydney event attracts people from such a wide range of suburbs, ages, backgrounds, nationalities and sexes. The Anzac Day march is a great community event, held in good spirit and humour, despite the sadness about loss of life and limb. I watch, clap and cheer as my small tribute to those who took part in war, because I have been lucky enough to escape it.Philip Luker Darling PointI just heard an Australian army officer sing La Marseillaise at Villers-Bretonneux. It was so moving. Unfortunately the talented young lady had to finish her set with our national dirge. When we get a republic can we please have an anthem of which we can be as proud as the French must be?John Tuckfield AbbotsfordJudging by the outpourings of national pride and sentiment at the moment, perhaps the plebiscite for a republic should be held on an Anzac Day.Brad Ruting WoolloomoolooAnzac Day should be a quiet day. Anyone who has read Les Carlyon's Gallipoli and The Great War will understand the day ought never degenerate into any kind of circus marked by patriotism-flaunting media babblers, boozing, pop singers, and politicians who at times exploit youth, but be a sombre commemoration of sacrifice, sheer guts and tragic loss.Ron Sinclair Bathurst
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald