For Australians, Anzac Day is a day of remembrance, a day to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice men and women have made for our country. I've lost mates in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the day is a time to stop and think about those who fought and died for their country. It's the time to remember that godforsaken day when Australian and New Zealand troops leapt onto the shores of Gallipoli; to think of those men who gave their lives on the shores of Anzac Cove. No matter what changes we see in the world, the true meaning of Anzac Day remains constant.

Loading

Anzac Day is also the one day of the year when we, as a family, can stop and truly spend quality time together. Over the years, I’ve spent long periods away from my husband and more recently, away from my son. My family understands what I do and why I do it, but it’s still difficult. I should be there to tuck my son into bed every night, but in order to give him the life he deserves, I need to work. If I’m not working at my Defence Force job, I’m working at the supermarket. Like many people, juggling my work and family life is a struggle I’ll never get used to.

Being a veteran and a retail worker might sound like an odd combination to some, but for me it works. I’ve spent 22 years in the Defence Force and 18 years in retail. Switching between one job and the other has become second nature.

Given Anzac Day is a special day for so many Australians, it puzzles me that we no longer leave shops closed for the whole day. Why only a few hours in the morning? At what point did we as a nation become so obsessed with consumerism that we can’t bear to leave shops closed for a whole day to properly commemorate the day?