ANZAC DAY - Long weekend

Friday was a public holiday in Australia, a day in which we give pause and reflection to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the ultimate good of those who follow either as individuals, as communities, or as a nation.  They have helped carve in the pages of history who we are today.

Collectively from all the authors here this blog, thank-you so much to the individuals and families that gave so much.  

By world standards our national sacrifice although small in number (when considered globally) was significant to the nation; to you the men, women and in some cases children, that made the sacrifice without seeking praise or heroism, you deserve that title (hero) and our thanks, recognition and at the very least our reflection.

In the spirit of the ANZAC,  we hope "beyond hopes" that any outcomes in this 2008/2009 edition of "Certified Shafting" keep that spirit in mind.  

Any industrial battles we face, whilst personally requiring sacrifice and effort, will be for our long-term benefit and will establish the basis of employment conditions for those that follow.

No more conditional rises; no trade-offs and no more sacrificing the Terms & Conditions of those not yet in the ranks.

It is up to us, to honour the spirit of the ANZACs:

As per the Australian War Memorial website:

The legend of ANZAC was born on 25 April 1915, and was reaffirmed in eight months’ fighting on Gallipoli. Although there was no military victory, the Australians displayed great courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship. Such qualities came to be seen as the ANZAC spirit.

Many saw the ANZAC spirit as having been born of egalitarianism and mutual support. According to the stereotype, the ANZAC rejected unnecessary restrictions, possessed a sardonic sense of humour, was contemptuous of danger, and proved himself the equal of anyone on the battlefield.

Australians still invoke the ANZAC spirit in times of conflict, danger and hardship.