LEST WE FORGET

ANZAC day is a time for all Australian to step away from play, sport and work, to pause and consider how blessed we are to live in a safe and prosperous country and remember with gratitude those who came before us and fought with so much sacrifice for us to have this privilege. This day of remembrance has special significance for the General Sir John Monash Foundation as we celebrate the memory and legacy of a great Australian – a war hero and an exemplary leader in civilian life, whose values and example are deeply embedded in the ethos of the Foundation.  We also remember that John Monash was one of the principal organisers of the annual observance of ANZAC Day and the driving force behind the building of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

Among the 2021 cohort of John Monash Scholars are two Australian Defence Force personnel and they reflect below:

Lieutenant Hannah Phelps – Royal Australian Navy

Anzac Day is a time to reflect on and appreciate the sacrifices made by those that have come before us. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the events that have shaped the ADF of today and deepen my own understanding of the role I have in this organisation.

Captain Amrinder Singh Ghuman - Australian Regular Army

ANZAC Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who risked their lives to defend the undefended, to bring justice to aggressors and aid to those in need. While it can bring out what is most noble in humanity, war is not without its costs. ANZAC Day is also a chance to remember the folly of war, a grotesque and savage endeavour that leaves a black mark on our collective psyche.