Nearly Anzac Day 2009

It is nearly ANZAC DAY and we find the men and women of today that are serving over seas avarge around 19 years old . They have a short hair cut, or hair tied back, who, under normal circumstances are considered by society as half adult half child, not yet dry behind the ears, just old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for our country. They never really cared much for work and they would rather do their own thing than help out or wash their father's car, but they have never collected unemployment either.

They are recent High School graduates; they are probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old car and has a steady girlfriend / boyfriend that either broke up with them when they left, or swears to be waiting when they return from half a world away. They love loud music . They are 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when they was at home because they are working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. They have trouble writing home , but they can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. They can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if they must. They dig foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. They can march until they are told to stop, or stop until they are told to march.

They obey orders instantly and without hesitation, but they are not without spirit or individual dignity. They are always self-sufficient. They have two sets of fatigues: one to be washed one and the other is worn. They keep their canteens full and their feet dry. Sometimes they forget to brush their teeth, but never to clean their rifle. Can cook own meals, mend own clothes, and fix own hurts. If you're thirsty, they will share their water with you; if you are hungry, their food. They will even split their cammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. They learned to use their hands like weapons and weapons like they were their hands. They can save your life - or take it, because that is their job. Will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. They have seen more suffering and death than they should have in their short lifetime.

They have wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and are unashamed. They feel every note of the National Anthem vibrate through their body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around them who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, they defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did their Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, they are paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, they are not children . They are the AUSTRALIAN Fighting Personal that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

They have asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember them always, for they have earned our respect and admiration with their blood. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. ... . A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.