25th April is ANZAC Day a National Day of Remembrance in Australia & New Zealand to remember those “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”. Anzac Day was originally started to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli campaign, in the First World War (1914–1918).
Recently, the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, apologised to all Vietnam Veterans for the poor treatment and lack of acknowledgement they received as he marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s role in the war. This is long overdue my husband is a Vietnam Vet (not something he likes to talk about) and they certainly deserved the apology. I remember being in high school and the protests against the war. Those called up for National Service returned not to a hero’s welcome but were treated badly even by the RSL. You can read more about it here : ‘We are so sorry’: PM apologises to Vietnam veterans
The Run Army
The Australian Army is committed to improving the health and well-being of its personnel. As part of these endeavours, Army has instituted Run Army. This initiative aims to support current serving members who are recovering from injury, struggling physically or mentally, or are seeking assistance in enhancing their physical and mental resilience. It also seeks to promote physical and mental health and well-being across Army and the broader community.
Funds raised from Run Army will go toward Legacy, who have supported the families of deceased and injured veterans since 1923.
My daughter, running friend and I participated in the Run Army on the 23rd and it was great to see that 6,000 competitors attended and raised $202,000 for Legacy. It was our second run event for the year as we head towards our half-marathon in June.
It was a glorious day in Brisbane for the run, the Botanic Gardens are in bloom and although a little breezy the skies were clear – perfect running weather.
We Did it! #runarmy we all ran under 1hour great times for us. You are never too old to try.
I came 2nd out of 13in the female 65-69 category. #feelingpumped and so proud of these two gals – my daughter Rachel and my friend Caz. It must have been my new running shoes!
Today I ran for all of those who have served our country and especially for my own Vietnam Vet my darling husband.
After the run, we enjoyed a delicious post run breakfast.
Lest we forget….
16 Comments
Looks like a great event for a very good cause…and well done to all of you for your times! (It must have been the new shoes lol…)
Yes Breast Cancer and Veterans are close to home for me so I like to support them. My new shoes make me fly LOL 🙂 x
Hi Sue, what an achievement! Well done to you, your daughter and your friend. What a great cause too! Though I was very young and didn’t quite understand at the time, I do remember all the protests on TV over the Vietnam war. They most certainly do deserve that apology! Lest we Forget. Take care & have a great week! xo
I love working towards fun runs that are close to my heart. Having Mike as a Vietnam Vet and the problems he has faced with PTSD has opened my eyes. I was only in high school when the protests were happening and I certainly wasn’t politically aware. x
Hi Sue – great that you and Rachel could do this run and that it would have been special to Mike as well. Such a great cause to support and a wonderful day out in the sunshine.
Hi Leanne, I always enjoy running events with Rachel and this one like the Mother’s Day Run is close to my heart. x
You are such an inspiration Sue – well done to you all for your efforts for a great cause and especially to you for placing second in your age group – your shoes make you fly!
Thanks Deb, the shoes did make me fly LOL 🙂 x
That’s a good amount raised and certainly a worthy cause. I love your new shoes but wonder how long they’ll stay that clean!!! (Congrats on coming second in your age group as well!)
It was a great turn out, Deb lots of support for the veterans. I am always torn with new shoes as I don’t want them to get dirty. They don’t stay clean for long. x
Congratulations on your run and well done for supporting such a good cause.
Thanks Janine x
Good for you – and I like the breakfast reward too! I have to say, you don’t look very tired in the medal shots! You must be super fit! Congratulations on coming 2nd!!
Hi Lydia, we always have a post-run breakfast reward. It helps to think about that when we do long distances LOL 🙂
As someone from the same era as your husband, having the ballot hanging over the men/boys heads was a very challenging time in the late 60s and early 70s. My brother’s birthday came out …just as Gough Whitlam was elected and he stopped the conscription and any more support for the war. It was an awful time in our country’s history and little wonder so many have had PTSD. Thank you to Mike and many. And to this initiative. Great to see your post in the link up for Wednesday’s Words and Pics. Thank you! Hope to see you next week too. Denyse.
Hi Denyse I was in first year high school and remember older girls going to demonstrations. I didn’t really understand it all but Mike has shared some of his experieces in Vietnam and of course the home coming trauma and it wasn’t pleasant for any of them xx