Anzac Day Eve

[Pronto]

It’s Anzac Day tomorrow and I’ll be marching with other Vietnam Veterans. I have occasionally wondered what became of the multiplicity of me-too demonstrators, peaceniks and counter-culture dropkicks with which we had to contend in those years, many of them university students.

I came across an article yesterday in the April issue of Quadrant by Max Teichmann on what he believes happened to some of those students:

‘…When masses of Arts students started to pour out onto the labour market, from the beginning of the 1970s, the best jobs, often the only jobs, for the low achievers””this low achievement often the result of three years of playing revolutionary or campus bohemian””were in school-teaching, or the low churches. So our school staffs have been heavily weighed down, over the years, by autodidacts, who usually have been deadheads earlier, helped across the line by the emerging sub-culture of recycling, plagiarism, and doctors' certificates. In the ensuing three decades, these dead souls from the sixties have gained virtual hegemony over education, the arts, and latterly the media. The accession of the Untermensch. Which only goes to show what shallow roots these institutions had struck here in the first place.’

 

[doctorj]

Maybe those demonstrators aren't around any more because they moved on? Good advice really...

 

[rederob]

Maybe those demonstrators aren't around any more because they moved on? Good advice really...

Pronto's thread should be retitled unless he really is interested in knowing what happened.
I am very much one of "they".
Vietnam was as useful to world peace as is Iraq.
It was a wrong war.

But on the eve of Anzac Day we should remember most what shaped us as a nation.
Vietnam, at the time, shamed us as a nation.

My grandfather, father, and I have all worn an Australian Army uniform so it with humbled respect I acknowledge all those that were willing - and continue to be - to put our nation's sovereignty first.

We have rights and freedoms nowadays that are revered by those that have not. That reverence is, ironically, embodied in those who might not share our particular views but, nevertheless, must be allowed to express them (within the limits of our laws).

Equally ironic, overseas we are respected for our irreverence. That's well demonstrated by our coat of arms featureing a bird that cannot fly and a marsupial that cannot move backwards - both animals also featuring on the menus of our best restaurants.

I shall tomorrow remember both my father and granfather who are no longer with us, and give grace to those who fought under our various flags.

To those who continue to wear our uniform, I trust they serve us well, as they have a magnificent reputation to uphold.

Lest we do forget.

 

[Plasmo]

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

 

[reece55]

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

Plasmo, I appreciate everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but that is an extremely harsh line to take mate... You do realise that conscription in Australia was enacted during that period and many of the soldiers that fought were forced to.

In my opinion, Viet vets have just as much right to be proud about their service than anyone - whilst not being alive in that era, the stories I have learnt about in study are truly horrific..... Perhaps do a little more research into the topic and you might change your view? Remember, defense personnel don't start wars, they simply go through the pain when one is called, if you are going to be disgraced, be disgraced at the leadership that brought about the war....

 

[glenn_r]

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

Plasmo I suggest you read the book "Vietnam the Australian War" by Paul Ham, it will help you find out the facts behind the Vietnam war.

I wore the Australian Army uniform proudly for 21 years and uninformed statements like yours are uncalled for and sadly show the failings of our education system.

 

[Stan 101]

The world wars were a real threats to our country and all we in Australia hold dear. There was invasion by the japanese. Men and women died were wounded and fought for our freedom.
For that, we should all owe all who fought in those wars a debt that can never be repaid.

If old enough, I most probably would have been one of those people protesting during the vietnam era. I certainly hope those conscripted and sent to a scenario like vietnam have made peace with those bastards in power.
It's also easy to understand a person of those times could be manipulated into believing the "commies" would take over the world. Hence one can feel real compassion for both the conscripted and those who willingly signed up for Vietnam.

I just can't get my head around the current armed forces even being remotely grouped with the armed forces of the past. This is a time where there is no conscription. Current armed forces ultimately choose to go to places like Iraq. But those thoughts are for another time.

To all those marching tomorrow from Vietnam and earlier conflicts, you are as close to heroes as anyone that has lived. Enjoy catching up with old friends and may that friendship give you peace and closure. Tomorrow is your day. A sincere thank you to you all could never be made to sound adequate.

Peace.

 

[wayneL]

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

The sentiment may be a matter of opinion, but the target is dead wrong. You should direct your invective at the leaders of the time, not the soldiers. Same as Iraq today.

I'll echo rederob's and other views. I've never pulled on a military uniform, but it was the sacrifices of those that did/do that probably made that a possibility... including my father who had the front of his head blown off in North Africa. (and obviously survived)

Best wishes to all (ex)servicemen on Anzac Day, wherever they served.

 

[Julia]

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

Plasmo, I just can't believe you could say that. As if those who were sent to the hell that was Vietnam haven't been through enough.
Blame the misguided warmongerers of the day by all means, but not the soldiers, many of whom still suffer hugely today, as do their families.

Anzac Day should be a time of remembrance and gratitude, and of intense hope that before too long our so called leaders will cease to have the desire for war.

 

[dutchie]

Well put WayneL.

Soldiers don't decide to go to war - politicians do.

Respect for all servicemen and servicewomen.

 

[Pronto]

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

I'm always amused by the vituperation that this subject arouses in some people; invariably the sort of person that knows nothing of substance about the conflict, or the circumstances of our involvement.

Good luck to you, Plasmo (even though I suspect that you are a product of the educational structure that Max Teichmann is referring to - or better yet - a second-rate teacher yourself).

Best wishes to all Veterans for tomorrow. Enjoy the march and the reunions after. Thank you also to ASF posters for your positive comments.

 

[Buster]

Hmm..

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

Ordinarily, I'd feel obliged to tear shreds off such a knucklehead post.. However it seems others have already pointed out the foolishness of the post far more eloquently than I could possibly..

Obviously too young or stupid to realise that most of those that go to [Insert theatre of choice] don't get to say, 'nahh, don't agree with that, not interested'.. Trouble with being in the service is that you have to do what 'they' say, no matter what your personal opinion may be..

Then again, possibly Plasmo is in one of the professions mentioned in the article populated by 'deadheads'.. I'd tip that was the case and venting the frustration..

ANZAC Day is for all that serve and served.. and for those that haven't to reflect on the sacrifice that those that have/do make..

Regards,

Buster

P.S Don't bother responding to me Plasmo, you've been relegated straight to the sh*tbin on the strength of the last post..

 

[nioka]

Vietnam was a disgrace, and any vietnam vet should be ashamed to walk alongside those who have fought in legitimate defence our country. The same goes for anyone who served in Iraq.

The only disgrace I see is the comments by Plasmo. These forums could do without the negative comments that seems to be plasmo's only contribution that I have seen yet. Placed on my ignore list. Is he a hot copper mole?

 

[Whiskers]

The only disgrace I see is the comments by Plasmo.

Yes indeed.

I had some friends and relatives who were conscripted to serve in Vietnam. We all dreaded being called up to go there. I was fortunate. Conscription was abolished before I was old enough.

But I know many who served and if it were not hard enough fighting to stay alive in a place where you were ordered to go, but did not want to be, it was mentally devestating to come home to such ignorant indignation.

Always, respect and support our military personel, because you never know when you will need to count on them for the freedom, comforts and privilages we enjoy, such as it was for the ANZAC 'S.