A Thought for Anzac Day
Wherever we come from, whatever we call it, the day we remember our fallen heroes has a special place in all our hearts. But things are changing. Today, because of the enormous advances in battlefield medicine far more of our soldiers are surviving the horrific injuries they receive on the battlefield. But it’s not only the physical scars, those that you can see, those that will change lives forever. It’s also the hidden scars, the ones that are only seen by those that carry them. This year as you remember those who so willingly paid the ultimate price for us and our country, spare a thought for those who are still paying the price in one way or another.
“My one hope is that the next time you see a serviceman or woman, or the old man sitting on the homeless shelter steps proudly brandishing a chest full of medals, you will pause for a few moments and try to look beyond that confident, sometimes brash, some would even say arrogant exterior, to the person that lies within.
A person who has worked hard, seen things that none of us should ever see, and in some cases suffered horrific injuries. Someone who will continue to suffer, either physically or mentally, but mostly in silence, for the rest of their lives, whilst at the same time still retaining hope and a strong belief in the greater good.”
Taken from “A Hell for Heroes”.
I want to wish everybody in Australia and New Zeeland all the best this Anzac Day, the 25th April.
Take care
Theo Knell's Blog 
May 23, 2013 at 15:05
I’ve just finished reading your book, “A Hell For Heroes”. What a tremendous read and more importantly, insight into the world of a professional soldier before, during and post career. All too often we get caught up in the excitement and glamour of sensationalised war events. Your frank and to the point telling of how it was like during your career and the problems faced with having to integrate back into civilian life have had a very sobering impact on what my ill-conceived perceptions of what the modern soldier is all about. As a civilian, I can only thank you for sharing the life experiences of both yourself and your comrades both living and fallen. Take care and live long mate. Kindest of regards, Pete
May 24, 2013 at 08:45
Hi Pete
Thanks very much for buying my book, reading it and then taking the time to write and leave such a positiver review, its very much appreciated. You take care. Theo
August 17, 2013 at 08:41
Hello there,
I’m an Aussie and I’m currently in Northern Ireland in Enniskellen and around there in what you would remember as bandit country. I can still feel the ghosts of that long conflict here in this otherwise beautiful landscape. Just finished the chapters set here and it’s a very evocative read which opens a window onto this secretive landscape. I genuinely admire your courage and the courage of your mates in the British Army who operated here and in other places round the world in defence of our rights and freedoms. I know for a fact that ADF personnel always feel a bit more comfortable when we’re side to side with Tommies. Its that combination of civility, courage and attention to detail in operations that calm the nerves. And here here for the call out to ex-service people ad their welfare – spot on. Cracking read.
All the best,
Peter H.