Standing Tall on ANZAC Day I stand tall on ANZAC Day. It’s a big deal in my family. Not only were two of my great grandfathers ANZACS themselves, but my own Father served in the Australian Defence Force for twenty years. I grew up as an Army kid, and proud of it. I remember climbing trees in the barracks while the dads all served the mums on Mother’s Day in the mess. I have fond memories of Santa visiting at Christmas time in a tank full of pressies for the kids. I remember feeling an immense sense of pride when I heard my father call his men to attention on the parade ground, and watching them respond to his commands with, well, military precision. Of course being an Army family also had its challenges. We moved around a lot, and my sister and I attended several different schools. The hardest part though was when Dad was away. Sometimes it was just a couple of weeks while he was on exercise, sometimes it was four months on a ship. As a child I understood only as much as a child can. I missed my Daddy but knew he was away for a greater purpose. I sensed my mother’s frustration when the lawnmower wouldn’t start. And I knew she was a little sad too when we didn’t have enough bedtime stories to count the number of sleeps until Daddy came home. I remember one time spending the whole day sitting on the front steps because Dad was due to come home, and I didn’t want to miss his arrival! These days my father works in the industry he was trained in, but outside the Army. We never miss an ANZAC Day service though, and Dad is heavily involved in his local branch of the RSL. In fact, he’s the bloke who calls the march. I get to stand with my own children and together we listen for Pa’s voice calling over the crowd. He still sounds to me exactly like he did when I was a little girl, and I still feel the same sense of pride. Except now, as an adult, I understand what my father was willing to give for his country and his family (and how hard it must have been for my mother). On ANZAC Day I think about those who gave their lives in service to this country, but I also think about those currently on active duty. I think about Dads who are away from their kids. I think about wives and mothers who hold down the home front. I think about children who count down the sleeps until a parent returns from a war torn country on the other side of the world. On ANZAC Day I talk to my daughter about why the Last Post is played on the bugle, the significance of lowering of the flag, why we stand for a whole minute without talking (a very long time for a three year old) and what Pa’s medals represent. I talk to her about peace, and about why Australia is a wonderful place to call home. But when I look at one man, I stand tall. Thanks Dad. ___________________________________ Catherine Oehlman is a SAHM currently being raised by a terrific toddler and a curious crawler. Her background in primary education, love of the mothering journey and compulsion for writing collide on her SquiggleMum blog. Cath encourages other parents from all walks of life to maximise the time they spend with their children. 5 CommentsFeedAdd Comment |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
We live in *such* a great country.
(without army dads, I wouldn't have met you! And for that I am thankful too)
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
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Friday, 23 April 2010