ANZAC Day

Today is ANZAC Day.  I personally like that we remember those who have put their lives on the line for us to be able to enjoy the lifestyle we enjoy. 
I have always been happy to have a day remembering and giving thanks for our troops.  We hope that they are never needed but they are there if they are.  They do the training and are in a state of readiness.  They often assist in times of national emergency be it flood or fire or the like.
I think also of those that are needed to support those on the front line.  It is said an army marches on its stomach.  There are heaps of people needed to support those that are on the front line.  I will no doubt forget some, but I do think of the cooks as well as the medical staff.  And also those that supply what is needed for vehicles - be it petrol or mechanical parts.  And even those who keep the armed forces clothed.  It takes a multitude to fight just like it takes a multitude to keep things going at home.
I have only occasionally gone to a dawn service.  Though I do remember having marched in one.  We provided the music for the event.  Unfortunately we had not been told there was no need to sing the second verse of the national anthem.  Everyone did really well until we started singing the second verse.  Then the people fell mostly silent as it was not very well known.
 I remember while I was at work we as a nation acknowledged those who had fought in the Vietnam war.  We had treated those who were involved badly even though they had gone under orders.  It was not a case of the rightness or the wrongness of the cause for many who participated, but a  matter of following orders.
I remember how proud of them I felt and wanted to right wrongs.
Today I remain thankful to all those who willingly put their own lives at risk.  War is never pretty and consequences for people can be dire.  I remain thankful for the frontline people of the Army, Airforce and Navy.