John Stevens, Mullumbimby
This is a letter written following the Mullumbimby ANZAC service.
As the last post sounded the crowd hushed and fell silent for the minute of deep reflection that was asked for; a lone voice yelled out interrupting the peace and reflection.
A man shouted out with controlled anger that all of us were on Aboriginal land and not showing respect. The crowd murmured and shuffled a little uncomfortably with, and many disapproving of, the intrusion into their personal demonstration of respect for the spirit of ANZAC.
It caused me to reflect that the lone voice was correct. There was within this ceremony no welcome to country, no acknowledgement of our Indigenous heritage or the struggle Indigenous people endured and still endure, marginalised by a type-of war that imposed a political system and people they never invited to this place. Most importantly in regards this ceremony, Indigenous servicemen and women have, like all, other Australians served, fought and died for our country in the very same wars we were remembering and at which my grandfathers and father served.Revile sounded.
We were called back from our silent reflection to hear the New Zealand national anthem in honour of the fallen New Zealand Māori people who served in these wars.
I thank that man for his controlled demonstration. It was brave and right. It reminded me that we still have much work to do to heal the trauma and damage done on home soil – our country – their country.
Lest we forget.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
