It is not difficult to appreciate the solemnity of Anzac Day.
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The sacrifice of tens of thousands of Australians in conflicts means there is more than ample reason to pause to reflect.
Indeed, “lest we forget” is the abiding message that the vast majority of people are only too willing to observe.
It is quite clear that the passage of time – it’s now 102 years since the Gallipoli landings – has not dimmed the desire of Border residents wanting to pay their respects.
That was ably demonstrated this Anzac Day just passed when large crowds once again turned out for the dawn services in Albury and Wodonga, as well as towns throughout the Border region.
The rain simply was no reason to deter people from wanting to commemorate what is for many a sacred occasion, nor was it enough to stop crowds lining our main streets to watch and applaud the Anzac Day marches.
This is indicative of the abiding importance Anzac Day holds in today’s society.
That is what makes the news of the selfish actions of a few idiots in Albury so disappointing.
It was former Albury RSL Sub-branch president Graham Docksey who highlighted the actions of a group of people at Monument Hill during the dawn service.
Almost unbelievably, they were seen drinking beers.
Mr Docksey was quite fair and restrained when he described them as having “very, very poor judgement”.
But what he then said, undoubtedly, would be a sentiment shared by many.
And that is: “I would have thought there would be more respect across the community for what the veterans have allowed them to do, the freedom in this country.”
Why anyone would think using the dawn service as an impromptu booze-up was in any way acceptable is beyond belief.
That incident was later followed by an alleged serious assault that night at an Albury club.
It has to be said that this was a relatively isolated incident given such large numbers of people had turned out for post-commemoration drinks.
Nevertheless, it is one incident too many given the potential consequences for the victim of any assault.
These are events that should have never occurred.
All it requires is common sense and an ounce of respect.