The Anzac Spirit is as alive as ever in Tasmania’s youth
At a time when anti-social behaviour and youth crime dictates national discussion, Anzac Day services provided a renewal of hope in the next generation.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
If you were to take cursory examination of news bulletins in the past few months, it would be easy to draw conclusions about the decline in respect of today’s youth.
Cases of hooning, petty crimes and selfish, anti-social behaviour appear to be a growing trend. However, it is easy to make assumptions based on a minority of young people who misbehave.
Anyone who was at Hobart’s Anzac Day Dawn Service could only be encouraged by the number of young citizens who turned out to honour our servicemen and women who made sacrifices for their country.
During the service Anglican Dean of Hobart Richard Humphrey urged the crowd to think about the war-torn areas of the world of Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan and the need to be “vigilant in the cause of peace”.
It was a timely reminder that conflict and wars are not just events in our history, but remain as challenges today.
War ‘a last resort’: religious head calls for sacrifices of fallen Anzacs to be honoured
There was also an impressive address by 17-year-old Lachlan Monk who spoke about his great grandfather Daniel James Thompson, who joined the army at age 17 and fought in World War II.
Part way through the service an elderly man rose to his feet during the playing of the Last Post but collapsed in the crowd, suffering an apparent heart attack.
Several people immediately rushed to his aid and began performing CPR – among them was a young woman who helped keep the man’s heart pumping in the minutes before emergency services arrived.
She acted bravely and without hesitation.
Maybe there is hope and respect among our younger generation after all.
No doubt, such an event left many witnesses shaken but the incident was also encouraging for anyone who saw it.
Strangers, old and young, acted together and compassionately towards another human being, coming to his aid before ambulance staff attended.
The spirit of Anzac Day was clearly on display.
More Coverage
Originally published as The Anzac Spirit is as alive as ever in Tasmania’s youth
Trailer fire at northern Tas petrol station
Fire crews are currently on the scene of a semi-trailer fire in northern Tasmania, located next to a petrol station. The latest.
Impromptu PM drops in for Bass lunch, battery scheme spruik
It’s the last ditch attempt at campaigning as we approach next Saturday’s election date. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made his third visit to Tasmania for a volunteer BBQ.