They Also Serve
Today is ANZAC Day.
Every April 25 in Australia and New Zealand, we set aside the day to remember the fallen in all wars and the sacrifices that were made and are still being made for freedom. Last year in the midst of a National Covid-19 lock down, no public gatherings were possible. People gathered on their front lawns and shared the moment in each neighbourhood. It was special, but so much better to see the several thousand people braving the freezing Dawn Service at the Launceston cenotaph this morning.
I'm posting a few tribute photos this morning, and where better to start than with the Vietnam Veterans Motor Cycle Club. My title says it all really: "They Also Serve". For many years Vietnam Veterans (most of whom in Australia had been conscripts) were treated unkindly. They returned from the front with no fanfare, and often abuse from the Anti-War movement. It took its toll. Post-Traumatic Stress and lack of the sort of care we take for granted these days, led to a shocking suicide rate among veterans.
But these guys are brothers, and they knew how to build their own support networks. One of those was the hugely successful Vietnam Veterans Motor Cycle Club. Of this group I photographed this morning, only the man with the medals actually served. But you see those other blokes, they serve too! Associate members of the association have done enormous good in helping their returned brothers to readjust to life back home. They've been a lifeline in many cases.
To every one of these men, you have my deepest respect.
They Also Serve
Today is ANZAC Day.
Every April 25 in Australia and New Zealand, we set aside the day to remember the fallen in all wars and the sacrifices that were made and are still being made for freedom. Last year in the midst of a National Covid-19 lock down, no public gatherings were possible. People gathered on their front lawns and shared the moment in each neighbourhood. It was special, but so much better to see the several thousand people braving the freezing Dawn Service at the Launceston cenotaph this morning.
I'm posting a few tribute photos this morning, and where better to start than with the Vietnam Veterans Motor Cycle Club. My title says it all really: "They Also Serve". For many years Vietnam Veterans (most of whom in Australia had been conscripts) were treated unkindly. They returned from the front with no fanfare, and often abuse from the Anti-War movement. It took its toll. Post-Traumatic Stress and lack of the sort of care we take for granted these days, led to a shocking suicide rate among veterans.
But these guys are brothers, and they knew how to build their own support networks. One of those was the hugely successful Vietnam Veterans Motor Cycle Club. Of this group I photographed this morning, only the man with the medals actually served. But you see those other blokes, they serve too! Associate members of the association have done enormous good in helping their returned brothers to readjust to life back home. They've been a lifeline in many cases.
To every one of these men, you have my deepest respect.