There was a time, perhaps in the mid-sixties, when Anzac Day looked as if it were going the way of other days that had long since lost their popularity. The marches were thinning out as veterans from The Great War passed away and soldiers from the second great conflict entered middle age. But predictions of decline were exaggerated. Somewhere in the 1980's or a little after, the whole thing caught alight again.

Today it has become the pre-eminent ceremonial day in the Australian calendar, one ostensibly of remembrance and commemoration. There is a thin line between these admirable intentions and the descent into glorification and mythology. The waters have been muddied more lately with political leaders appropriating the day in a manner that is both unctuous and brazen. It is but a short step to sentimentality once discourse becomes locked into meaningless repetitions, with little or no effort to explore the content. It is very easy to exploit emotions.

Fortunately, Hazelbrook Public School did not fall into this trap today, for their commemoration of Anzac Day (necessarily early due to the school holidays) was dignified and informative. Tom, together with another of his cohort, presented a wreath and a fellow from the RAAF gave a short speech pitched to his young audience.

Still, I'd love to see a real discussion about the Gallipoli campaign, warts and all. The truth can do no harm.

Not for the lily-livered.