Anzac Day rightly highlights sacrifice, but it also spotlights shortcomings

Anzac Day has become, quite rightly, a revered public holiday. It provides a poignant occasion each year to reflect upon and commemorate the sacrifices of Australian military personnel who have served and died.

For many, the dawn service is an annual ritual that allows all comers – no matter their cultural, religious or national identity – to share in a moment of collective reflection that honours, in a very personal way, the sacrifice many have made to ensure our security and freedom.That’s what is so special about Anzac Day.

When David, Alex’s father, wanted answers from Defence as to the cause of the tragedy, he got obfuscation. He wanted to visit the closest beach to the crash site, but Defence wouldn’t even say where in the Whitsundays the helicopter had fallen from the sky. David Naggs is also frustrated by Defence’s refusal to clarify whether technical glitches raised by an experienced army test pilot concerning the high-tech helmets worn during the fateful flight might have been the cause of the crash.

This week, Anthony Albanese became the first sitting prime minister to walk part of the Kokoda Track, doing so in 30-plus degree temperatures and stifling humidity. It was a fitting tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought in close combat with invading Japanese forces during World War II. While we commend the prime minister for his trip to Papua New Guinea, honouring the men and women of our military needs to be more than a one-day annual event. Ensuring that veterans are supported well enough to slow the rate of suicide must be a daily priority. Ensuring that fathers such as David Naggs are not left angry and disillusioned should be a given, not a hope.

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