BLOG by Karen Offord
25th April 2015
The thought of war sickens me. In my utopian mindset I believe all
should, could live in peace and harmony. Embracing and accepting all, no matter
ones colour, culture, beliefs or status.
You don't need to be Einstein to know it's not and will never be the case.
Simply switching on the TV, catching the news is enough to see. Something I
choose not to do. Some would think I bury my head in the sand, others would
wholeheartedly agree. It's one personal choice and personally I think why fill
your mind and add to the collective consciousness of fear and worry, bringing
to itself more fear and worry.
I have had the privilege to meet and talk with some of Australia's war veterans.
Everyday men called to duty by no choice of their own to fight in the front
line, in circumstances I could never (would never) imagine. This wonderful group
of men gather each year with their mates to celebrate the life they and their
families now live. And to comfort and share stories with each other of their
days in the trenches. Many still bearing the physical scars but many carrying
the psychological scars and wounds most of us will never see or know, for they
are buried in the minds of these men. Each day traumatised, struggling to make
sense of untold, unimaginable heartache, bloodshed and pain. Each day trying to
move forward.
I do not pretend to know or understand in any depth the pain and hardship these
men and women had to endure (let alone the families that had to watch them
leave, left behind to hope and prayer. But like the majority of Australians I
stand in awe, in silence, and remembrance of their dedication, their suffering
to bring what many of us so easily take for granted - freedom.
To them, I say thank you. My thoughts are with you.