laura_seabrook | ANZAC Day

So it's ANZAC day today, and this time around it's right in the middle of Easter. Not being Christian I don't observe Easter, other than to stay home and spend the time in productive and enjoyable pursuits. Also, since the death/resurrection cycle mirrors that of Attis (at least the Gallae version of that myth) there is a slight annoyance at it. Attis didn't die for anyone's sake, but his resurrection as her is an example for some. Gah - more days the buses run less often.

ANZAC day (commemorating the evacuation of Gallipoli) is another matter. Often though as as an excuse for old men to play two-up and get drunk at RSLs (do they need an excuse?) it really is meant to honour the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces. For me, that's different from glorifying war, though one has to wonder, looking at some of the old footage they play on TV if maybe a lot of folk muddle that up. Just remember...

ANZAC can also be a day when some feel more confident in inflicting their bigotry and racism on others. The argument usually goes by "We didn't fight the [FILL IN THE WAR] just so [FILL IN THE DISCRIMINATION/BIGOTRY]!" but the truth is that it doesn't matter why individuals enlist in the armed forces in the first place, what matters is the manner in which they do their duty, and the honour in that. So - oppose and shame the politicians and governments that create the wars, but the soldiers and other that fight them - that's another matter. If they did their duty, and they suffered for it, they should be honoured for that.

Today is also