ANZAC DAY 2007

As we nationally seem to increase our respect for and embrace of all things ANZAC DAY I find myself similarly moved to reflect on what war and its inherent loss of life means for us as a nation and as individuals here in this country.

Identity
Loss
Grief
Bravery
Steadfastness
Being used by the British and US commands
The many stories of stoicism and what of that is true and fair
Legends
'Simpson and his donkey' BUT how a slightly less syrupy embrace of this story than Mal Garvin's spin on it might genuinely provide a theological avenue for people to enter into the Anzac story and discover God at its heart!!

Being shaped by adversity
The laconic Australian sense of humour
That there may be NO winners
That I could not/would not sign up

Where in all this are the echoes of faith and the presence of God calling us to see the futility of it all and reminding us of our shared humanity and value in God's eyes!!

Whose are the voices we are not hearing and who is God standing with in the world. In the Sudan? in the Middle East? Russia?

Who are we called to stand with?

What do we make of the backpacker trek to Gallipoli but also the rubbish, partying, footprints and behaviour left behind [anyone else look back over their shoulder at the football or cricket as they leave and recognise its no different to a crowd anywhere in the western world!! Although perhaps anyone who chooses a Bee Gees playlist for the pre Dawn entertainment does deserve to be 'shot'.

BUT seriously, others are far more eloquent than me in their storytelling and rememberance... here I turn to the modern poets, the protest rock experts and pulse takers of Oz's 1980/90s identity...



"Forgotten Years" Midnight Oil
A song I wish had been written when my turn came to address the Scholl Assembly Anzac day service in Year 11 in 1978.