The reflections on time served in the military are timely to us here in Australia as tomorrow many of us will rise early for the ANZAC day dawn services held across the nation and in New Zealand. The date 25th April commemorates the landings on Gallipoli in WW1 when Australian (and New Zealand) forces first fired shots in hostilities since federation occurred in 1901. The objectives were "technically" reached on the first day but due to inept leadership from the British officers in charge, they withdrew to the beachhead and a drawn-out stalemate ensued. This was all a "brilliant plan" (not) of none other than Winston Churchill, who should have been shot by a firing squad for the woeful planning and execution of it all. The idea was to secure the Dardanelles sea route to Istanbul to effectively neutralize the Turks in assisting Germany. All troops were evacuated several months later in the dead of night, so nothing was actually gained by the terrible losses incurred.
The day is now one of the most sacred on our calendar, where the fallen and all who have served are honored in a day of reflection and remembrance.
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we WILL remember them".
I like many respect all who have served of all nations - as regardless of any personal opinions they are prepared to risk all at the behest of governments and therefore the peoples of those nations.
Now to sort of stay on topic - think of all those burnt out and bombed vehicles that line the roads in old newsreels - what a tragedy!
Steve