Anzac service is not an entertainment

In response to comments by Wayne Lynch of St Hubert's Island in Peninsula News 393, an Anzac service is not an entertainment event conducted for pleasure.

It is about respecting and acknowledging the sacrifice of our service men and women.

The people who have gone to fight for freedom may not feel like getting up in front of a large group of strangers and reliving what was certainly the worst experience of their lives.

Australian fighting men tend to be humble people and shy away from standing up and recounting their heroism for strangers.

In over 40 years of attending Anzac services, I have heard a soldier say a little of his experience in battle only once.

That was his choice to do. It is not a condition of attendance.

There are many documentaries in existence featuring interviews with ex-servicemen and, in every case, there is no bravado.

I have spoken with many soldiers, sailors and airmen in my life.

Some will discuss what they have done and seen in great detail if you spend some time with them.

Others say nothing at all.

I spoke to a veteran of the Kokoda Track a long time ago and all he would talk about was the amazing fruit in New Guinea.

If you want insights, there are hundreds if not thousands of books written by soldiers who choose to recount their experiences.

Email, 16 May 2016

Charles DuMar, Woy Woy