Friday 26 April 2013

Tracing loved ones that fought for Australia


Anzac Day has been and passed. Another April done and dusted and now June and the end of the financial year for us is just down the track.

No matter what religion or culture you belong to; does not every man, woman and child stand solemn at least once in remembrance of something each year?

The resounding ‘remembrance’ maybe for various reasons, however most are for peace.

Why is this? It's what every species of living animal on Earth desires (along with domination). 

Many Homo Sapiens (humans) have a very strong connection with their past generations and long to know more about family and friends. A few years ago I was commissioned to photograph and write for a national paper a series on ex-serviceman/women and their following generations here in Australia. It was a moving assignment. I heard stories that bought family members, that sat in with me, to tears (along with myself on occasions) as they had never heard the stories told till that day.

War is a horrible word. None of us like to hear it. It brings loss and destruction and freedom.

The Australian War Memorial has an enormous amount of information and this is a really interesting link with some great historical photos if you are searching for anyone that may have fought under the Aussie flag.


 Image courtesy Australian War Memorial

The legendary kiss captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt, taken on V-J Day, 1945