Anzac Day 2026 poster

Wartime snapshot

Saying goodbye to you is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do

[Ralph James, an Australian soldier, to his wife Beryl in 1942]

The first Anzac Day in 1916 marked the sacrifices of Gallipoli. As Australia’s first large-scale military action, Gallipoli shaped perceptions of national identity and valour. At the time, Lieutenant Alan Henderson wrote to his family:

It is going to be Australia’s chance and she makes a tradition out of this that she must always look back on. God grant it will be a great one. The importance of this alone seems stupendous to Australia.

This national recognition also carried a personal sense of family separation. Jack Simpson's sister, Annie, a dedicated correspondent, wrote to him at Gallipoli: ‘Oh Jack, we do pray for you to be spared … Oh to have you home again. "Home" will not be complete until you come back.’ Sadly, Jack did not live long enough to read the letter.

On this day of reflection, recognising the service given and the sacrifices made, we acknowledge the support and sustenance of family, friends and loved ones. It is they who keep the connections to home, in the millions of words they communicate.

As telegraphist Jack Swift wrote in 1945, ‘When I came down to the mess a few minutes ago, I was absolutely miserable … then the mail arrived with two for me, I could have kissed the guy who brought it.’

It is loved ones who keep a vision of the future alive during periods of active service. In 1941, Josie Johnson wrote to husband John at Tobruk, ‘One says thank god when each day passes as each … is one closer to your return’. Josie's letters are rich with the detail and fabric of family life with their 6 children.

Communications have changed from letters and audio tapes to emails, texts and video calls, but the importance of family remains the same. Love and care come in many forms, such as the snacks and letters sent to those serving. Rwanda veteran Steve recalled:

It was fantastic receiving mail or parcels from home with some Chicken Crimpy or some Tim Tams or something. And of course, just a letter from home from friends or family was always fantastic. You'd rip it open and read it really quickly and then you'd read it a second time and savour it.

For parents who serve, going away is particularly hard. As Rachel, a veteran of East Timor and Iraq, recalled, ‘there was this real sense of wanting to go, but then also that trepidation of leaving my son – he was only just 2’.

Coming home, support from loved ones is vital. Care and connection are in ‘the almost sacred family reunions’, as one prisoner of war recalled after World War II. And also in the steadfast presence and strength of family. As Vietnam veteran, Garry, reflected:

My wife Heather has stuck with me through the really tough times … my daughter and granddaughter … are sympathetic. My son supports me emotionally. They are all [so] important to my survival.

Anzac Day commemorates family ties across generations. Like the shared experience of Vietnam veteran Bill and his son, an Iraq and Timor veteran, marching together. And the countless Australians who wear their parents’ and grandparents’ medals on national days of remembrance.

Anzac Day honours these common threads of connection, love and belonging that sustain those who serve, their families and loved ones.

Support during the Anzac Day period

For some people, Anzac Day can trigger strong emotional reactions, such as grief, trauma and sadness for those who are no longer with us.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• OpenArms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046
• All-hours Support Line – Defence on 1800 628 036.

Copyright

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