DON'T FORGET DIGGERS

true lilly Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:19 pm

Decorated soldier
Mark Donaldson has a heartfelt plea
as we prepare for a Christmas
full of family, food and silly hats.
Picture: Herald Sun
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C'mon Australia, salute our Diggers
Mark Donaldson
From:Herald Sun
December 20, 2011
12:00AM

ISN'T it funny how we all start looking forward to Christmas and the summer holiday break?

We spend the weeks leading up to it thinking and planning how we
are finally going to get that nagging job done around the house or what
beer to drink while watching the Boxing Day Test.

Yet it always seems we can never quite enjoy ourselves and that
something crops up to dampen spirits.

The computer crashes and you lose that report that took an hour to write
up; then on the way home the car in front of you just won't get out of
the way; then you get home and the dog has dug up the garden - again!
And the kids have made the house look like a pigsty.

The next thing you know it's Christmas Day and no amount of joy or peace
can get you through the hours of the same old stories from Uncle John and the
in-laws. The worst part is how much more and more exaggerated the
stories become as the day goes on and the level of enjoyment increases!

Before you know it, something that is quite frankly a fantastic opportunity
to spend quality time with those close to you is taken for granted and becomes
yet another encumbrance. At least that's how so many of us make it out to be.

Yet in far off Afghanistan and for reasons most people don't understand,
there stands a sentinel in the dirt, mud, snow and slush. The whipping,
ice-cold wind pours off the snow-capped mountains, trying to cut through
their camouflage uniform to distract their mind from vigilance.

Send your Christmas wishes to the troops below

They will stay strong and stoic. They fight under our nation's flag and,
like all our soldiers, will give the Australian people 100 per cent
effort in everything they do.

They will probably get no ham, no bon bons with silly hats and terrible jokes.
No afternoon nap on the couch, or time spent watching their kids play with
their new presents, or cool off under the hose.

I can guarantee, however, that at some stage over the Christmas break
these soldiers, these Australians, will be on a mission in enemy territory.

They will go out on patrol and scan their arcs and sectors,
all the time making sure their mates next to them are safe.

Instead of stepping out into their backyard for that quintessential Australian
barbecue, or on to their favourite beach, they will face the ever-present potential
of stepping on an IED (improvised explosive device), or stopping a bullet with body
or limb while in a firefight with the enemy, possibly never to see a Christmas again.

But don't feel sorry for them and don't wish them home. It is their job and
it is what they are trained to do. Without whingeing, without complaint
and without the luxuries we have. It is like any other high pressure job, except
the consequences are much higher.

They will do their job with courage and integrity, all the while with a smile on
their face. And in true Aussie fashion, you'll hear one say, "At least we get a
white Christmas!"

There is one more aspect to this.

Imagine having the family gathered around the table this Christmas.
Some have come from far away, like they do every year, others from down the road.
Places at the table are set and everything is just right. Yet this Christmas is different.

The family has an empty seat at the table come lunch time. For some,
that empty seat would have been filled by a family member who is instead
serving overseas. For others, it marks the place of a loved one who has made
the ultimate sacrifice, giving their life in service to our nation. Regardless of
what the dog dug up, despite that annoying driver and irrespective of the in-laws'
embarrassing rants and raves, there is one thing we can do this Christmas.

We can spare a thought for them, our defence personnel
- soldiers, sailors, airmen and women and their families alike. We can
draw strength from them and their actions and try to emulate the values
as well as the morals they follow.

And maybe, just maybe, at this time of Yule, we can remember what they and
those before them have given so we can enjoy a safe Christmas at home with
our family and friends, and we can remember that we can be happy and grateful
for our way of life.

To all of Australia's defence personnel and their families,
particularly those serving overseas, thank you and Merry Christmas.

On January 16, 2009, Corporal Mark Donaldson (then Trooper), of the SAS,
became the first Australian in almost 40 years to be awarded the
Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour, awarded for the
most conspicuous gallantry. He was later appointed the National
Australia Day Council's Young Australian of the Year, in 2010.
31 comments on this story

true lilly Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:48 am

Sounds just like "tintin" and his 'australian' Partners:

Get a Grip of Melbourne Posted at 12:41 PM Today
Whats there to celebrate about, the ADF is mereley an an occupying force.
We have no nor ever did have a legitimate reason to be there!
Comment 66 of 108
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/cmon-australia-salute-our-diggers/comments-fn7x8me2-1226226188280

DON'T FORGET DIGGERS

DON'T FORGET DIGGERS

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