NATIONAL days of commemoration, like Anzac and Remembrance days, should be a time to reflect on the sacrifices the thousands of men and women made so we can enjoy the quality of life we have today.
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In no way should these two national days of reflection be considered just a day off work or school, a chance to go away fishing with the mates or shopping with your friends.
So the announcement on Monday that Victorians would not be given a Monday public holiday – hence a three-day long weekend – for the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day next year is welcomed.
The Victorian government has chosen not to allow the Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday next year.
“The purpose of Anzac Day is to respect, commemorate and remember the brave soldiers who sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” Small Business Minister Russell Northe said while making the announcement. Anzac and Remembrance days are not an excuse for getting a day off work or school, because these certainly weren’t the liberties our brave soldiers fought so bravely to protect. Those soldiers fought and lost their lives to protect Australia’s freedom.
With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday next year, there will be trading restrictions before 1pm, giving people who may have to work on that day ample time and opportunity to pay their respects at gazetted ceremonies and services throughout the region.
What is disappointing is concerns from Ballarat’s peak tourism body that the city’s “takings” will be hit by not having the three-day long weekend.
“Any reduction of a long weekend is a lost opportunity, but we’ll have to work a bit harder on what we have to offer,” said Visit Ballarat chief executive officer George Sossi.
Anzac Day is not about making money for the region over a three-day weekend.
It is about paying our respects to the soldiers who fought a century ago so we can live in “the lucky country” today.
Giving up a three-day weekend for the Anzacs is not making a sacrifice, it is about paying homage to our ancestors who didn’t give a second thought about launching head-long into battle for Australia and, for so many, making the ultimate sacrifice – their lives.