A day of respect  

ANZAC DAY: A DAY OF RESPECT 

25 April 2020

Every year to commemorate ANZAC Day we are encouraged to consider bravery, commitment, comradery, compassion and sacrifice. Taking time to think about the past history of our nation and those people who served to make it what it is today.

Respect is a word we hear often and one that emphasises a need for us to uphold a sense of personal dignity. When we reflect on the significance of ANZAC Day this year, it may be a silent reflection on what it actually means to have contributed to the Australian efforts in times of war, but also to appreciate the freedom that was achieved.

We remember that people just like us, who upheld the same values that we do were selfless as they endured relentless military duties for our own protection and future. The sacrifices that have been made by those who served call for a sense of admiration and honour as what was endured cannot be truly understood in full measure. But we can relate to what it means to empathise, to gain perspective, to have courage, to look out for one another and to be grateful for precious moments that we take for granted.

Current peace keeping operations around the world allow us to remain optimistic that someone is still looking out for us. We may often overlook the bravery it takes to put yourself into an unknown situation like war and the impact that it may have. We can understand perhaps this year how life as we know it can change in a moment. However, when we do reflect it reminds us that there is always a way forward in troubling times and a need for comradery to gain peace.

One focus of ANZAC Day this year is to respect the day and we’re lucky to have the freedom to choose how to do that. One way you might choose to respect the day is to take a moment to consider what it means to you to be Australian. It’s looking after your friends and loved ones as they can provide solace in times of despair and warmth in times of celebration. It’s paying respect to enable deeper connection to yourself and to place more importance on what it means to be honourable or gracious in character. It’s being thankful for the opportunities that come our way, the adventures we can create, the laughter we share and for the presence of people we care about. It’s saying thank you to everyone who has fought and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to provide us with the life we know and love.

Showing respect ultimately speaks volumes about what kind of person we want to be. Whilst this year we can’t attend our local Dawn Service or attend the Shrine of Remembrance, the Returned Services League is asking us to walk outside on Saturday to our yard, balcony or driveway and observe a minute of silence to pay our respects to the veterans. Let’s show them that we respect them and what ANZAC Day means.

#STANDTO 

Lest we Forget.

Lauren Hughes

Humanities Domain Leader

Jack Stabek's tribute to 2020 ANZAC Day 

This morning at 6 am I was up and joined many others to pay respects to our Anzacs.   I played 'The Last Post' and (after one minute of silence) 'Rouse' on the trombone whilst standing in my driveway!

Please click on the following link to listen to Jack's tribute: