Anzac Day
April 17, 2018
As Anzac Day approaches each year, I find myself thinking about members of my family who have served their country in war. I’m fortunate enough that my 94-year-old grandfather is still alive, and willing to talk about his experiences. He has also gifted me with the letters he and my grandmother wrote to each other, […]
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April 22, 2017
Will you be commemorating Anzac Day on 25 April this year? I have written elsewhere about why I do choose to acknowledge Anzac Day, as well as the recognition that the occasion is problematic for some. In part, I said: ‘There has not always been room for those whose experience or understanding has deviated from the legend. Yet, […]
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April 20, 2016
As Australia commemorated the ‘centenary of Anzac’ in 2015, I listened with interest to the range of responses expressed both privately and publicly. I heard outspoken opposition to the Anzac commemorations and equally angry reactions directed at those who dared to question the Anzac legend at all. Between the two ends of the spectrum were families […]
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April 6, 2016
Paying My Respects
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This time last week, I stood beside a stranger’s grave. He felt like family. He wasn’t. Not even a distant relative or ancestor. Let me backtrack a little. My daughter and I spent Easter in Cairns, catching up with family and enjoying the tourist attractions. We walked through rainforest and ate fish and chips by […]
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