A solemn service welcomes the dawn. Families brave the weather to pay their respects. Some pray, some call forth memories. In doing so, they bring to the present the experiences of our country's past so that they can carry them into the future. ANZAC Day is a powerful and worthy ritual. But the tales of our soldiers make up only one of the ongoing chapters in the story of our country. There are many others.
On 25 January, let us remember the Indigenous people who once nurtured the land. Let us remember those who were killed when the settlers came to our shores — by violence, displacement or disease. Let us remember those whose lives were destroyed by policies that alienated and dehumanised them. Let us remember the Indigenous people who still die in our prisons, and those who die of substance abuse or poor health.
On 25 February, let us remember those who gave their lives in settling this unforgiving land. Let us remember those like Burke and Wills who found themselves unprepared and unfit to survive in harsh environments. Let us remember those who died because they were too remote to find medical care. Let us also remember the more recent victims of bushfires, floods and storms, each continuing in the tradition of those first settlers in trying to build a safe haven in our unpredictable world.
On 25 March, let us remember the people who lost their lives migrating to this country: the ships that wrecked themselves off our treacherous shores; the convicts and migrants who died of illness on the journey. Let us remember also those who have died trying to come to this country today as refugees, and those who die around the world with their hearts set on finding a safe home like the one that we enjoy.
On 25 April, let us continue to remember our fallen soldiers, who sacrificed their lives in war. Let us remember those who served in Australia, or fought to protect the country in the Pacific. Let us remember the wives and children they left behind. Let us remember those soldiers who have served and died more recently in places such as Afghanistan, and the other peoples around the world who continue to be caught up in conflict.
On 25 May, let us remember the women who have gone before us. Let us remember those who died in childbirth. Let us remember those who were forced into workhouses because they had children out of wedlock, and those who died in these places. Let us remember the women today who die at the hands of men, both those killed by men known to them, and those targeted by strangers.
On 25 June, let us remember all of those who have died in the workplace. Let us remember the convicts forced into labour. Let us remember those who rebelled and died at the Eureka Stockade fighting for better conditions. Let us remember the people who die today from accidents or illness due to being overworked.
On 25 July, let us remember those who die in other parts of the world due to poverty and war. Let us remember Australians and others who have given their lives helping people in these countries.
On 25 August, let us remember the victims of our recklessness. Let us remember those who have died in road accidents, from their own carelessness or the carelessness of those around them. Let us remember those who have died due to medical malpractice, and from other institutional negligence. Let us remember those who fall victim to environmental catastrophe, as well as the animals that die at the hands of humanity.
On 25 September, let us remember those who have died from disease. Let us also remember those who placed their own health and safety in jeopardy to treat others.
On 25 October, let us remember the forgotten dead: the people left to die alone without people to care for them, and those who have nowhere to call home, but live and die on our streets.
On 25 November, let us remember the children who have died. Let us remember those who died in the womb, or were never given the opportunity to live. Let us remember the children who died in illness through no one's fault. Let us remember those whose lives have been destroyed by abuse and neglect. Let us particularly remember those whom our institutions have failed to protect.
On 25 December, let us remember those who are yet to be born, our hope for the future. Let us remember the one person who died but rose again, and who brought hope of a new life to millions throughout history. Let us remember all those who give hope to others.
Let us tell all of these stories, every year, so that we will never forget.
Michael McVeigh is senior editor at Jesuit Communications.
Gravestones image from Shutterstock