This morning I attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the War Memorial in Canberra.
If you have lived in Canberra, you know winter doesn’t truly begin on the first of June . . . the chilly weather sets in around ANZAC Day.
And this morning it was very icy.
Despite the blistering cold, there were countless thousands of proud Australians in attendance to pay their respects.
The energy was both solemn and uplifting – a cauldron of real respect.
You could hear a pin drop, save newborn babies crying out in confusion.
There was one moment which stood out above the rest . . .
It was a line in the speech of War Memorial Director and Former Politician Dr. Brendan Nelson.
He said:
‘Today is not about War, it is about Love.’
Now this is a partial quote however the above nine words are what resonated most to me.
ANZAC Day is not a glorification of war . . . it is a celebration of the love inherent in the actions of all who serve and sacrifice to protect us and our way of life.
One does not need to believe in war to appreciate the sacrifices our elders have made for us in serving our country.
Patriot and pacifist alike turned up this morning in the bone-numbing cold and pre-dawn darkness . . . with brimming hearts, both sad and joyous at the same time, to remember those who fought for us and those who still fight for us today.
ANZAC Day is a reminder of how the seeds of sacrifice grow in blood-stained soil . . . and the beauty of the flowers which grow from the darkness bloom brighter than all others.
This is what we should remember today.
It is crucial we focus on the love.
The love of those brave men and women who never let their mates down, who stood up for us, deeply proud and terribly afraid, side by side in the trenches, in love for one another whilst staring an early death square in the face.
If I know anything in life, what I know is this:
‘Omnia Vincit Amor’ – Love Conquers All.
To all who have served and who still serve today – my sincerest and deepest gratitude.
My heart and millions of hearts around the world are filled with deep and lasting love for you.
Lest We Forget.
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