Anzac Day 2011 - a personal reflection

This has absolutely nothing to do with being a librarian but I have been reflecting today on what Anzac day means for me.

My day was a WWII veteran who went to New Guinea and Japan with the BCOF (British Commonwealth Forces) troops after the war.

He was a proud Australian, a gentle loving man who was proud of serving his country. He went away as a young man who believed in freedom and was passionate about that.

To me that's what ANZAC Day is about - our freedom and the sacrifices these young men gave for their country.

At times I hear people display great intolerance in this country the "language" used about boat people is a classic example.

I think our Veterans would be appalled at the intolerance shown to some sections of our community and wilst they may not agree with alternative lifestyles or beliefs many of them gave their lives to ensure that we could be "different" and free to be who we want to be.

The statements that the diggers would not be fighting for the Muslims or gays that have been reported today are appalling and show great disrespect to our diggers I believe. They fought and gave there lives so we could be free not for a particular group or belief.

There is a huge difference !!

Do we really want to be that intolerant of each other? We don't have to agree with a viewpoint or lifestyle but lets respect the rights of people to have that belief or lifestyle. That's the freedom that our diggers gave me.

Thanks Dad