It is a day that marks both tragic loss and fervent hope.
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The horror.
The tragedy was the loss of so many lives in distant places in terrible wars – the full details of which remain too ghastly to contemplate.
But, sprouting from the carnage like the poppies on the fields of Flanders came a force among the Australians that grew to be part of our national psyche, our DNA – the Anzac spirit.
The honour.
The Anzacs embodied the courage, commitment and sacrifice of all Australian service men and women in all the conflicts in which they have fought since the Boer war, and their spirit is embedded in the nation and its people to face challenges and triumph against the odds.
They acquitted themselves with honour becoming an international legend. Their example has inspired Australians to come back fighting and win in the face of adversity.
The hope.
That the scale of sacrifice never has to be repeated. Our servicemen have played a huge role in helping forge the Australia of today. Still young, it is a rock-solid democracy with fairness and generosity at its heart. The term may be over-used but Australia is identified, and always should be, with a “fair go”.
A peaceful, balanced society. It is not without problems, but it is still, by far, a lucky country.
The incredible efforts of all those service men and women will never be forgotten.
The proof that it has not is in the growth each year of the number of people attending ceremonies, marches and other events. From babies in prams to the oldest of citizens, they turn out to pay tribute to those who gave – and those who still give – so much.
The Caldbeck family of Dubbo epitomises the spirit.
Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch vice president Jeff Caldbeck and his son Brendan will march in Dubbo today. Jeff joined the navy in 1969. Brendan was with the army in East Timor in 2002.
Two generations marching side by side. Jeff’s own father was a Second World War veteran.
Brendan hopes to share the Anzac Day experience with his own son one day.
And the ANZAC spirit will pass from generation to generation. And we will never forget.