As I write this e-mail, I’m sitting outside in one of our local parks.
Just enjoying the the day. The trees and flowers. And the warmth of the sun on my face.
And smiling as families walk by. Kids scootering down the path toward the playground.
When life feels good, it’s easy to miss the significance of one of the largest features of this park.
In the middle of the network of paths, and pointing toward the sky, is an imposing granite monument.
Three words are etched at its foot… “Lest we forget.”
It’s our town’s War Memorial.
Built in the years after the First World War — what H.G. Wells described as the “war that will end war.”
Yet the memorial plaque was moved to the side to give space for the one commemorating the even more catastrophic, Second World War.
More recent wars have had their respective plaques added. Along with names of the dead
Around the foot of this monument is where our local community gathers for our Anzac Day service. Held every March 25th.
In New Zealand this day marks when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in World War One.
We suffered heavy losses.
But it’s a significant day in our our nation’s history.
Even today, after almost 110 years, many of us still see its ongoing relevance.
So we gather and remember. Remember those who served. Who fell. And why.
I’m thankful we have these monuments that help us remember.
I’m thankful for the enormous sacrifices that many before us have made.
I’m thankful they made it possible to live in the kind of country I live in.
Even though there’s plenty of social turmoil going on nowadays. And people are trying to claw us back into into times of rule-by-despot.
The people who came before us helped maintain a lot of freedom for us. And have given us much to aspire to.
For that I’m thankful.
And I’m thankful that I can even sit here in this park today and write an e-mail on my phone.
All the while growing my business.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to to earn a living. To learn and grow with so many great colleagues and friends.
Many who are in lands far, far away from me. Who are gently snoring while I’m sitting out here in the sun.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to work for clients. To help them solve their problems. To use the skills I have to help them grow and flourish in their businesses.
I’m thankful for many things in my life. My family in particular.
And for all life’s blessings. No matter how small. I’m thankful.
What are you thankful for today?
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Chris Milham