In the lead up to Anzac Day on April 25, army chaplain DEACON GARY STONE gives an insight into how important it is for military personnel and returned servicemen and women to have the support of the community and the Church in particular
ONCE again we approach the most sacred day in the Australian secular calendar – Anzac Day.
But this year, in our new Sacramentary, we have Anzac Day formally recognised as a sacred day for the Church also, with its own unique prayers and readings, and with the Feast of St Mark, previously celebrated on April 25, being moved to April 26.
Certainly for us veterans, this represents a wonderful recognition of the sacrifice of so many Aussies who have given their lives or suffered in the cause of peace.
In Masses on Anzac Day we will hear from the book of Wisdom the assurance that “The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, they are now in peace” and “Justice will flourish in God’s time and fullness of peace forever”.
The Gospel from St John will remind us of Jesus’ words of encouragement, “Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you … Do not be troubled or afraid”.
These words have particular significance for the veterans in our community and their families, for they bring comfort and meaning to the arduous service they have provided and must continue to provide.
We have now had substantial number of troops deployed for an unprecendented 14 continuous years.
Many have had multiple deployments to multiple theatres of action. (My eldest son Michael has spent a total of seven years on deployment in the past 14.)
From their very first deployment our young men and women come home with maturity and wisdom beyond their years, and greatly enhanced skills in leadership, management and conflict resolution.
They have heightened sense of the need for justice for all, and you won’t find stronger advocates for promoting peace and harmony in our world.
They have a lot to offer our nation in years to come.
One sacred place that many, many Brisbane veterans will gather for a dawn service on April 25 is at the Royal Australian Regiment National Memorial Walk (RAR-NMW) in the Enoggera Barracks – perhaps the largest national memorial apart from the Canberra War Memorial.
Over several hectares surrounding the Contemplation Building, a pathway wends its way through a grove of more than 1000 trees, 702 of which have so far been dedicated to the life and service of a member of one of the RAR infantry battalions, that has paid the supreme sacrifice on operational service since 1945.
The ashes of many of the most recently deceased soldiers have been scattered around special individual plaques carrying the names and service details of each of these veterans.
This is a “living” memorial with the continually growing trees reflecting the soldier’s belief in ongoing, eternal life beyond death, but also living in and through the care of a band of veterans, known as “Dad’s Army”, who lovingly care for the memorial and provide guided tours and facilitate memorial services.
Chaplains, and particularly our local Catholic army chaplains Deacon Peter Devenish-Meares, Deacon Brenton Fry and myself, are regular guests at the memorial to conduct liturgies, prayers and memorial services.
All activity at the memorial is underpinned by prayer.
A visit to the memorial is a deeply moving spiritual experience, as one contemplates the sacrifice that so many have made in the quest for restoring and keeping the peace in the many troubled places in the world that our troops have been called upon to serve in. Visitors are welcome.
Bookings to enter the barracks can be made by phoning (07) 3332 5371 and a guide will be provided.
Chaplains conduct a monthly service at the memorial for service people who are trying to recuperate and rehabilitate from their overseas service.
An accompanying consequence of service on peacemaking or peacekeeping operations has been an aftermath of dealing with the effects of trauma both physically and mentally.
Sadly, when troops come home from the war, the war often comes home with them.
Many of our veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Anti-depressant drugs and counselling are not quite enough to ameliorate the consequences of service in conflict resolution.
Spiritual solace is also needed.
There is a saying in the Army that “there are no athiests in foxholes” and I have yet to meet any combat soldiers who aren’t spiritual people in some way.
If you haven’t been to an Anzac service recently you will be pleased to note the specifically Christian content.
The veterans won’t have it any other way.
They go to any length to get a padre to lead their service, to have Scripture reading, to have prayer, including especially the Lord’s Prayer, and to have hymns such as Amazing Grace.
The playing of the Last Post, the Silence, and the Reveille, is itself a powerful symbolism of the hopeful movement from the pain of Good Friday through to the joy of Easter Sunday, that is so necessary for the healing of veterans from the wounds they have suffered.
The support and appreciation of the wider community, especially the Church community is very much needed in helping veterans re-integrate into Australian society.
Supporting and participating in Anzac Day services is a very practical contribution that Catholics can make.
The affirmation of the crowds lining Anzac marches is a tonic to the souls of veterans, as tingles go through their bodies and tears emerge from their eyes.
It helps them remember that their sacrifices have not been in vain, and they are appreciated, and that “we will remember them”.
On behalf of the veterans I thank you for your ongoing support.
We also thank Archbishop Mark Coleridge for his special Anzac Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral at 8am on Anzac Day and for all of you who turn out on this day in remembrance. Lest We Forget.
