Today is 107 years since Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of Gallipoli.
This was a conflict that was part of World War 1 (WW1), also known as the Great War or the War to end all Wars. It is tradition in Australia and New Zealand to take a minutes silence and remember those that have been before us and reflect on ourselves. This day is known as ANZAC day. No one needs to be told that WW1 was not the war to end all wars and conflicts.
Over the past couple of years I have observed how quickly an infectious disease has spread around the world and touched many. Interestingly this also happed just after the end of WW1 with the Spanish flu.
War is caused by conflict. The Sailors, Soldiers and Aviators that often pay the ultimate sacrifice, signed an oath to do what was asked of them even if they did not have a personal understanding or belief in the conflict.
This ANZAC day I would ask each of you to do something in an attempt to end all wars. Without conflict wars will be eliminated. The first step is to work on resolving our own personal conflicts. For me this means that I need to learn to become less sensitive. Whilst this may seem counterintuitive, what it is in practice is that I need to learn that others comments or actions are often not meant as a personal attack on me or my values. All conflict I have with others is due to the conflicts I have within myself. What I would like to ask is that we all take steps to resolve our own personal conflicts. If possible when we are ready try and resolve conflict with at least one other person.
My hope is that this can spread as quickly as an infectious disease and all of those that have suffered before us will have achieved an end to wars.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget
