*sigh*
I know there was no ill intent with this question, however I feel so deeply that ANZAC Day is not just another "day off".
Having a public holiday for ANZAC Day allows the majority of Australia to attend ANZAC Day ceremonies across our beautiful nation, and enjoy these freedoms fought for us by so many.
Perhaps it is due to my having lost several great grand-members of family in battle, none any older than I am today. Perhaps I feel so strongly with knowing what is given up and foregone when our loved ones are deployed. I have some beautiful friends who are still in active service to Australia, and I know it is difficult for them as well as their partners, families and friends each time they are sent away. And when they come back, are they ever the same people after seeing the horrors of real conflict?
The public holiday allows me to contemplate my life as a free Australian, for the sacrifices made by so many women and men over our rich past, and for those serving and defending our great nation currently.
I made several batches of Anzac biscuits yesterday and considered a life of having to cater for a family using simple rations, accepting the shortages and discomforts whilst supporting the troops.
Yes, how we spend the day as individuals is up to us, but I do not believe ANZAC Day is "a day off".
