On the 75 Anniversary of the end of World War II, I give thanks to men like my Uncle Harold who gave his life for the freedoms I enjoy today. Sadly, he never lived to be married to his sweetheart or have children or grandchildren. His brother, Hugh also served. He returned home and enjoyed a full life, passing this year in his 90’s. I have felt privileged to be able to read many of Harold’s letters home to his mother, this one written only a couple of weeks before his plane was shot down over the Pacific in 1944.
I watched a quiet sombre service at our War Memorial in Canberra today, with a few veterans present. Their presence is a reminder of the generation who stood up to be counted, willing to give their best. Last year Roderick and I walked the hallowed walls of the Honolulu Memorial, sadly just too many names to read them all, but I did find Harold Connett. I reflect today on the sacrifice of his life and the millions who died in WW II. I pray that we will always remember them, Lest we forget. ❤️
