I had 2  great uncles who served in WW1 one never returned. My father was on the Kokoda track in 1942. A  school friend died in Vietnam. I think of them every ANZAC day plus the many others who served. 

From my admittedly vague memories as a youngster, it seemed that veterans like my pop from WW1 were afforded much more respect. My mom and dad would always serve him and my great Uncle Roy first at Sunday family dinners and festivals like Christmas etcetera. Not sure if was a custom or just gratitude but the deference is certainly remembered. 

Edit. Went to the morning service today at a memorial on Austinmer beach Nsw. ....on the Pacific coast 100  mins sth of Sydney. Quite haunting standing on the beach with three hundred others listening to the last post in the early morning light.

I also allowed my sleepless mind to imagine having to go to war. I'll be honest the thought of it scared me to my core. More so the idea of my son being conscripted. I feel sorry for the current events in Europe.

I'll also admit that I didn't know every WW1 serviceman volunteered. Over 400, 000 of them. Some even lied about their age. 

Having mentioned the level of respect my parents had, I mention my morning attendance because I was surprised how many young people were there. Lots of families with young kids but a fair few sleepy eyed teenagers and 20 somethings that I wouldn't think new much about it all. 

Very encouraging to see kids like that brace the clock and conditions to commerate the courageous men and women who have served this bloody great country. The reverence for them is still very much alive today.

Also thanks very much to those  who have shared stories here. Some beautiful but of course some devastating ones as well. I guess there really is no happy war story even for those who returned.

Edited April 25, 2024Apr 25 by leave it to deever