Grant Edwards, a former Australian soldier, has made a poignant decision this Anzac Day: he will leave his medals tucked away in a drawer. In a heartfelt reflection, Edwards explains why this year, the medals will not see the light of day.
The Weight of Medals
For many veterans, medals are a source of pride, symbols of service and sacrifice. But for Edwards, they have become a burden. He writes that the medals represent not just his own experiences, but the collective trauma of war. Displaying them, he feels, can sometimes glorify conflict rather than honour the true cost.
A Personal Journey
Edwards shares his personal journey from enlistment to deployment and the challenges of returning to civilian life. He recalls the camaraderie and the horrors, the moments of bravery and the lasting scars. This Anzac Day, he chooses to remember in silence, without the tangible reminders of his past.
His decision is not a rejection of service or country, but a deeper engagement with the meaning of remembrance. He encourages others to reflect on what Anzac Day truly represents: a day to mourn, to honour, and to commit to peace.
Redefining Remembrance
Edwards suggests that the true spirit of Anzac Day lies not in parades or medals, but in quiet contemplation and acts of kindness. He calls for a shift from glorification to genuine commemoration, where the stories of veterans are heard without the gloss of heroism.
A Message to Fellow Veterans
To those who wear their medals with pride, Edwards offers no judgment. He acknowledges that every veteran copes differently. His choice is personal, a way to protect his mental health and to honour the fallen in a manner that feels authentic to him.
As Australia pauses to remember, Edwards' story serves as a reminder that the cost of war is borne long after the guns fall silent. This Anzac Day, he will be thinking of his mates, but his medals will stay in the drawer.
