R E S P E C T

[k9kiwi]

Here in Kii land the respect is growing from the younger generation. The annual ANZAC dawn parades are seeing a growing number of younger people attending.

I was proud to march this year to the memorial as a "double hatter", wearing my Fire Brigade dress uniform, with my old unit badge in the pocket.

For your info a "Digger" is a reference to an Australian Soldier" not just any Australian.

Also the term was first used in WWI by British Soldiers to describe the Maori Pioneer Battalion from New Zealand as they were about the best Diggers in the trenches. The Aussies "borrowed" the term.

At the start of WWII Maori leaders convinced the Govt of the day that Maori were more use fighting than digging trenches, thus the 28th Maori Battalion was born.

[Wildcat]

See here for the term "Digger" Frequently asked questions - FAQ 1 - 50
As to the original question, I believe that the respect from young people in this country in growing. Look at the number of young people that fly half way around the world to spend ANZAC day at Gallipoli, it's in the order of 15-20 000. Look at the record numbers at the ANZAC day marches. I wouldn't be too worried about the minority number of morons who don't care or don't know ant better.

[Aussie1001]

I'm pleased to see that i have collected a wide array of opinions in this matter and i'm happy to say that i don't disagree with any of them,
Heinz we did the holocaust earlier this year and i also saw the shock on their face, I mean everyone knows hitler but fewer know how many suffered and perished under his regime.
As for thoes who graffitied that memorial i'd like to introduce them to the buisness end of an air rifle, don't kill em but give them some respectable bruises !!!
Ignorent F*ckers no respect what so ever.

[Njaco]

Aussie, you brought up something I wasn't aware of and I share your sentiments but....

I think its a world wide condition for each country's young generation and it stems from agenda driven idiots who want to re-write history and then lose the meaning.

Example: A few years ago the 'Enola Gay' was going to be featured in a display about the atomic bomb here in the US. Revisionist groups wanted also to protray how it slaughtered Japanese. It eventually ended up as just a footnote and a small disply. Now how is any young mind going to grasp the meaning and have respect for something when it can't be explained in plain talk? There has got to be an honest, open approach to history education without any white-washing for young'ens to understand. They can pass on their school bus a VFW building with the Sherman tank out front everyday but they'll never understand what it means.

[Heinz]

I think now the consensus is education however war is too scary for kids so lets just forget about it. Everyone can go to school and feel warm and fuzzy.

[Aussie1001]

mmmm i definatly can see your point Heinz, my history pretty much said the same thing.
Njaco i see what your talking about and agree 100 % at least they will remember it if it isn't dressed up in all fancy crap.

[DOUGRD]

When I attended High School back in the late '60's history text books sucked. We had dates and names but little substance. If I hadn't been reading history for myself, especially WW2, all I would have known was inventors and Presidents. I don't think its gotten much better.

[Aussie1001]

No probably not but at least some of us remember and apriciate the full weight of our forfathers sacrifice so that we may be free...

[Bernhart]

about the November 11th being a holiday.There was a discussion here in Canada about being a holiday. An veteran said he was against it as then as any other holiday it would be just another day off and significance of the day would be forgotten. In Canada surprisingly enough turnouts at the cenotaphs have been increasing

[Downwind.Maddl-Land]

Bernhart makes a good point. Make it a holiday and everyone would go and have a good time – that’s what holidays are for and the significance would be quickly lost. I mean, look at what’s happened to Christmas!

No, we must just ensure that the “silent majority” keep the faith and educate the younger generations as to what it is all about. After all, the history reveals a wonderful ‘story’ in the telling……and what youngster doesn’t like a good story. However, don’t forget to impart the essential truth – it wasn’t a story, it was all true, and if you want to enjoy peace, prepare for war.

[AVRoe]

GallopoliAll i can say is sorry for the past mate

[A4K]

I think the intelligence of the graffitiists was summed up by the fact that they couldn't even spell 'Not' properly...