This week we have just observed Anzac Day. It is a National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. And on this day, we have had the opportunity to express our thanks for the contribution and suffering of all those who have served their countries.
As I watch the annual march of the Australian and other countries service people on the 25th of April, I give thanks for the courage and dedication of these people given in service to their countries in times of war and suffering. I also remember those who did not return to their homelands but died in service overseas.
I wonder what led these men and women to decide to serve their country. I know that for some of them it was a compulsory action, but others volunteered.
My thoughts then travelled to January 1958 when I was called up to do my compulsory National Service. It was served at the Holsworthy Army Barracks for just over 3 months. It was here that I learned discipline, to obey orders, to clean and shoot rifles, throw a hand grenade, go on long route marches carrying heavy gear, stand for long periods on parade grounds, march in ceremonial parades, clean all my gear, boots and clothes and work in the mess kitchen.
After I had completed my National Service, I was transferred to the Citizen Military Forces in 2nd Division Signals based at Victoria Barracks in Paddington. I served in this unit for 2 years attending parades receiving more instruction and going on camps.
This was the closest I came to serving my country. I guess I count myself lucky that I was not called up to serve my country in the war in Vietnam. I know the marble with my birth date was put in the barrel with 365 other marbles but fortunately for me, it was not drawn out. I did have two friends who went to Vietnam and luckily came home safe.
As I recalled these events in my past life, I thought how close the principles I had learnt in the army were in parallel with the principles I have learnt in my life as a Christian. Love of country and all people, caring for the downtrodden, striving for peace, helping the needy, wanting to make change for good in the world. There was also the need to be trained, to study, to have a disciplined life, and be obedient to the Gospel principles.
I was reminded of the counsel given by President Veazey to the church in 2010 in D&C 164: 3a and b: “All church members are urged to examine the depth of your baptismal commitment. Having been baptized and confirmed, become fully immersed in the servant life of Christ. Live the meaning of your baptism daily as you grow in the skills and qualities of discipleship. Actively and generously support the ministries of the church, which was divinely established to restore Christ’s covenant of peace, even the Zion of your hopes.”
What have I learnt from celebrating Anzac Day? I have learnt that remembering and learning from the past is an important aspect of life. I have learnt the importance of study and training to gain the knowledge and experience to be a competent servant. I have learnt that I need a strong desire to carry out good works if I am to be an effective follower of Christ. But desire is not enough, action follows the willingness to serve.
It would be worthwhile for each of us to sit quietly and prayerfully reflect upon our own experiences and discover how they have impacted on our lives.
As President Wallace B. Smith encouraged us in D&C 156:11: “Dear Saints, have courage for the task which is yours in bringing to pass the cause of Zion. Prepare yourself through much study and earnest prayer. Then, as you go forth to witness of my love and my concern for all persons, you will know the joy which comes from devoting yourselves completely to the work of the kingdom. To this end will my Spirit be with you. Amen”
Bill Gillard