ANZAC Day 2024

Remembering Veterans 25 April 2024

Today, for the first time, I marched with veterans in the dawn parade wearing my Fathers WW2 medals.  Fifteen years after Dad’s death I have constructed his war story, in some detail, and visited the location of his last prison camp in the Italian mountains.  Now I understand why he arrived home as a 23 year old deeply traumatised by his experience.  He carried that trauma through his entire life with his story securely locked away in the back of his mind, safe from himself and the world.  He lived a successful life always trying to be the best he could be raising a family, building a business, and serving his community but he personally and our family paid a heavy price for his service.

Today particularly, I remember Dad and his veteran friends who I was privileged to know, for they were remarkable people.  I salute all veterans particularly those who came home with invisible scars that would never heal.