Courage is a curious thing.
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In the historical context of Anzac Day, courage is synonymous with bravery on the battlefield.
Courage under fire – it’s the often used term in reference to wars and the wounded.
During yesterday’s Anzac Day memorial service at Jindera, the Reverend Peter Murphy asked those gathered to consider courage in a broader context.
He spoke of courage as a virtue – a virtue that lies not in the head, but in the heart.
He spoke of courage in its traditional context – that of advancing against a foe, of evil to be vanquished, of when “the tough get going”.
Then he spoke of courage as a rearguard action.
The courage of “digging in”, of perseverance and never giving up.
Reverend Murphy said the legacy of the men who showed such courage in the past lived on today in Australia’s culture of mateship.
But courage is a two-way street.
He called on the community to consider those who have returned from war recently “who have been tough but who are suffering physically, psychologically and emotionally”.
“These people now need our strength and courage,” Reverend Murphy said.
For not every battle is fought against an opponent.
Sometimes the fiercest wars erupt from the enemy within.
As Australians flocked to war memorials to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in wars gone by, there are those who have returned from recent service still fighting the most terrifying of battles.
Some are staring down the barrel of unemployment, homelessness, family breakdown and suicide.
A Fairfax report stated seven returned service personnel have taken their lives this year while 75 died by suicide in 2016.
During an address at Jindera, Captain Brinkworth from the Australian Defence Force said Anzac Day was as much about honouring the ideals and values of Australia as it was a significant commemorative occasion.
“Australians have a natural disposition to stick together and support each other,” he said.
“That is just as relevant now as at any other time in the past.”
Perhaps the true test of courage lies in what we as a community are prepared to do about that.