Time to reflect on definition of our national character

Personally, I do not like our national character defined with military engagements because non-engagement shows greater restraint and moral standing.

A solider stands guard during an Anzac Day dawn service. Picture: Scott Powick

ANZAC Day is considered a vital day for all Australians to share a moment of pause to commemorate an annual remembrance of our national sacrifice in past global wars.

Having been an out-on-the-streets "peacenik” marching through Sydney opposing the American war on Vietnam during my younger years, I have not found time to participate in events nominated on April 25.

My mother was in uniform during WWII and my father welded submarine repairs and mine casings on the Williamstown docks.

A distant relative was the first Australian casualty on Crete in WWI and is buried on Malta.

Personally, I do not like our national character defined with military engagements because non-engagement shows greater restraint and moral standing.

Younger veterans of our wars are having a tough time and finding it difficult with the "old guard” of the RSL network who justify their social clubs with vast batteries, or are they gunneries, of poker machines and alcohol consumption.

These young vets battling with trauma-related addictions like alcohol and substance abuse and gambling do not find these social clubs supportive or remedial of their struggling lives.

They are eschewing the clubs and finding answers in more supportive health groups that include professional mental health workers.

This Anzac Day I will have a moment of pause for our young veteran men, women and indigenous.

MICHAEL HENDERSON

Maroochydore