But we forget

Today in Australia and New Zealand, it is ANZAC Day. The day we remember the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacebuilding projects.

The ANZACS began their campaign on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey at dawn on April 25, 1915.

We come together to remember, to honour. To say, never again.

Lest we forget. 

But we forget. We forget how war is seeded over years and decades. How the military-industrial complex needs wars. How hate and fear and scarcity are sown over time to reach a threshold crossing that becomes war.

We forget that the captains of industry and government are the seedsowers, knowing that they will never find themselves on the front line of horror. That’s what ‘people’ are for.

We forget that dehumanising is essential to the warring process, as we watch the dehumanising of anyone who doesn’t fit the stereotype of desirability, mainly white, upper-class.

We forget as my government turns a blind eye to genocide. 

We forget that it is the young men, the women and children who pay the price in flesh, blood, broken minds and bodies and death.

Lest we forget. 

Please let us remember. Today. And every day. Please stand up against the forces that seem to be hell-bent on launching another kinetic war as the moral and propaganda war rages.  

Please, remember our collective humanity.

Photo September 11th 2023, Article written April 25th 2025