This Anzac Day

Yesterday I did what thousands of school teachers did around Australia; I went to my schools' ANZAC day commemoration assembly. Every year, regardless of what school I am at, I always get to see kids displaying the best of themselves.

Kids led the commemorations, sang songs, read poems, gave speeches about what happened in Gallipoli and in conflicts since then. They listened with respect to members from the RSL who spoke emotionally of their experiences in war. They stood and sat quietly when asked, and coped when there were small problems with the sound. There were plenty of tears in the eyes of both staff and students.

Some of these kids are old enough to have served in previous wars.

The prevailing wisdom is that young people today are lazy, and disrespectful, that they have never had it so good, yet they lack responsibility and maturity. As a teacher it is easy to get discouraged when faced with kids whose behaviour is not good, and forget that there are many fantastic kids too.

Men and women have gone to war in the hope that their sacrifice will make Australia a place of freedom, a better place for future generations. Recent generations have never had to face the prospect of all out war like their ancestors.Perhaps our kids have never had it so good, but isn't that what the diggers wanted for future generations; a better life?

This ANZAC day I am remembering those who sacrificed so much for our country. I am also filled with hope. The young people of today want to remember and pay their respects too.

Lest We Forget