Hi Everyone
Today it is ANZAC Day in Australia. For those of you from other countries ANZAC stands for "Australia and New Zealand Army Corps" and it is the day we remember our soldiers who suffered and/or died in war, especially World War One. Australians, for some reason unknown to me, specifically think of the bravery of our soldiers in Gallipoli. Gallipoli was a big mess up by the British and Australian lives were lost because of their poor tactics.
Today I forgot it was ANZAC Day. I got up early to do the grocery shopping. All the shops were shut except McDonalds. I ate at McDonalds then went back to the supermarket. Still closed. There were other people milling around outside the entrance. No one seemed to know what was going on. I went back to McDonalds and there learned the truth. The shops would open at midday. The morning was for ANZAC Day.
I am always unsure what I should feel when ANZAC Day comes around. My father's family are Quakers, and therefore pacificists and I have been deeply influenced by their beliefs. My grandfather on my mother's side didn't go to war, I think because he was needed to farm the land and provide food. My maternal grandmother's brother - Uncle Bill - went to the second World War and was taken prisoner by the Japanese. He didn't talk about it at all until shortly before his death and even then not to me.
So what I'm getting around to saying is that I don't know what war is like or how I feel about it. I have never been affected enough by war to really experience its ramifications and my imagination isn't good enough (or gory enough) to imagine them.
I can appreciate that many young men gave up so much because they loved our nation and I can understand how much they must have suffered. But only intellectually. I don't know it.
On the other hand I can also appreciate what pacificists say - war is awful and should be avoided at all costs. Although I have never seen how terrible war is it doesn't take a genuis to know that it's not a good thing.
So there you have it - my confused response to ANZAC Day.
A reminder to please keep me in your prayers regarding my housing situation.
God Bless
Amber
Amber, may the Lord provide housing--and may he provide you with wisdom in the situation.
ReplyDeleteAs for the conflict between wanting to honor the soldiers and wanting to avoid war, I can identify with it. My grandfather came to the USA partly to avoid the Russian Czar's military draft. My older brother was drafted and served in Vietnam as an unarmed medic, unwilling to carry a weapon. When I was 18 and was required to register for the draft, I registered as a conscientious objector to war.
Meanwhile, my father was a military chaplain during WWII. My father-in-law and some of my uncles were in the military. I know various young men from my church who have recently been in the US military. One went to Iraq this week, in reconnaisance for the Marines.
At this moment, I'm not required to know all of what's best. I can honor those who for reasons of conscience choose not to bear arms, and I can honor those who strive to serve in the military with honor.
My great-grandfather lost his life at Gallipoli. I was there a number of years ago, the place was packed with Australian visitors! I'm glad that it's still commemorated in such a big way in Australia.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same Amber. Totally awesome respect for anyone willing to give their lives to safeguard others but at the same time a pacifist at heart. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteJo
My hats to all men in uniform protecting each of our countries. My brother fought in the Vietnam War. Although he did not lose his life there, he lost it later on due to the affects of the war.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you all for your comments and prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Amber