ANZAC day inspires in us all a deep sense of respect and awe. We have heard and will hear many stories of the battles, some with happy endings and some not so.
Whilst my story does not directly link to the Great War and to Gallipoli, it does speak of the very same ideals that makes up the ANZAC spirit.
My grandfather served with the 28th Maori Battalion in WWII. He fought in battles in North Africa, Greece and Italy. Papa was eventually sent home from the war before it ended.
He was sent home because of an attempt on his life... from his own soldiers! Papa was given charge of a small infantry. From all accounts he was a hard man. He was so hard on his men that they colluded to kill him.
For his own safety, he was sent home. Nine months later the war ended. When the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII were held, many of the soldiers in Papa's infantry were there. That day several of them came up to Papa and thanked him for his harsh treatment of them. Without it they concede, that they might not have survived the war.
Papa used to always say to me, "War does not determine who's right, it only determine's who's left!" The horrors of war must be avoided. If we are truly serious about honouring those who fought so bravely for our freedom their sacrifice must not be repeated.
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