The many flickering images from the past I see
All those times together; a young generation so free
Happy, vibrant and not a care what tomorrow would bring
It was a time for love, fun and to sing
We were immortal and the world was ours
No thought of hate and fear, just laughter mid the flowers
Yet dark clouds gathered and a storm of war was rumbling
Then came a rolling barrel with its birthday numbers tumbling
Winners swore an oath and traded mufti for an army suit
Soon in a camp marching to and fro in brand new heavy army boots
Conscripts and Regulars as one, herded by shouts and whistle blast
Inspections, drill, weapon training then late at night; sleep at last
Complete as a unit they were sent to war in jungle green
Here are extracts of a soldier’s diary of battles, trials and dreams
“Sudden unexpected enemy fire but coming from where?”
“Radios crackling news of more casualties here and there”
“Dead and wounded being winched above and reaching for the sky”
“Shrapnel whirring as we waited for the howling shells to pass by”
“There are gaps in the ranks and we pretend not to care”
“The fear of mines and each slow agonising step becomes a dare”
“Whispering, flittering shadows and sudden sounds are the norm”
“The smothering blackness of night and the joy of a new dawn”
“Battle weary warriors counting each day where ever they do roam”
Until that final page scrawled in joyful haste; “we’re going home”
Arriving in OZ at in the secret cloak of darkness at night
Told to go and put their proud uniform out of sight
Time for some to return to familiar work places in the nation
Many were lost and wondered if they’d arrived at the right station
Veterans and their loved ones became the hidden casualties of war
Meanwhile from a blind barrel, birthdays tumbled as before
George Mansford © December 2016
When it comes to teamwork and the determination to make vision a reality, look no further than the brilliant initiative by the Surf Live Saver Movement to form the Nippers Group. Today, such members are seen on the many beaches throughout our nation. It is in such an environment where these nippers, (our very young) learn and practice so many of the personal and collective qualities essential in life. One can only hope there are politicians who can understand, support and promote such a scheme which plays a significant role in the development of our youth.
The memorial depicts both a soldier and life- saver searching the waves and far beyond. This emotive image does tell a story of those who served the community as volunteers on the beaches and sadly made the supreme sacrifice in war in defence of our nation’s precious way of life. Let there be no doubt that we too must guard such a priceless legacy for future generations of Down Under to enjoy and pursue.
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