Sacrifice go far beyond what happens in service

AS THE sun rises for another Anzac Day, all Australians will reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of Aussies who fought and died for the freedoms we all enjoy

AS THE sun rises for another Anzac Day, all Australians will reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of Aussies who fought and died for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Coming as it did on the heels of the announcement of a royal commission into veteran suicides this year, the day should now more than ever also be a time to reflect on the sacrifices our men and women in uniform continue to make at home and abroad.

Those ongoing sacrifices are particularly front of mind in a place like the Northern Territory where members of the Australian Defence Force make up such a large and valued cohort in our community.

Many of those Territorians in the army, navy and air force or who have previously served will have again turned their minds to the memory of fallen comrades who escaped the perils of the battlefield only to succumb to the demon of post-traumatic stress disorder after returning from active duty.

Veteran of two tours to East Timor and Darwin, cafe owner Sam Weston, spoke for many this week when he said the duty of care owed to Australian soldiers, sailors and aircrews has been lacking in the past, both during their time in the ADF and post-retirement.

“I’m hoping people will be held accountable,” he told the NT News after the royal commission was announced last Monday. “I think the leadership of the defence force at the time has a lot to answer for.”

With submissions on the terms of reference of the inquiry due to close in less than a month, it is vitally important that Territory vets who have valuable contributions to make on the scope of the royal commission have their voices heard.

If we get this right, hopefully by the time April 25 rolls around again next year, veterans will be able to take some comfort that the lessons of the past are now finally being heeded.

Open Arms: 1800 011 046