Pre-match entertainment

Dr Alf Andrews · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2003 2:57 am

Football is not the time or the place to be subjected to the orgy of militaristic self-eroticism that we were subjected to prior to the match yesterday.

Please note ... I am NOT referring to the minute's silence or the Last Post ... or even the parade of war veterans around the ground.

I'm referring to the highly POLITICAL idea of having planes flying over in formation ... and having a team of rambos delivering the match ball in a navy helicopter ... This was just a classic example of bad taste that went way beyond solemn remembrance. This was a situation in which the right-wing AFL, in these belligerent times, allowed the military to flex their muscles in front of a captive audience.

The planes, in particular, were an apalling idea. Their first appearance was unannounced. I didn't see them coming. I just suddenly heard the roar of their engines, and for a split second I thought we were under attack.

There was always a very real possibility that this particular match could have been a target for a terrorist attack, given Australia's involvement in the invasion of Iraq. So allowing the frightening sound of these highly powered aircraft to assault our ears UNANNOUNCED ... was the height of insensitivity and outright stupidity.

This was GLORIFICATION OF WAR. There is no other way of seeing it.

I fail to see how any of this macho sabre-rattling is appropriate to any notion of respect for those who have died or risked their lives in the tragic circumstances of war.

To me, it seems to be the height of hypocrisy to have 70,000 people bowing their heads in silence just a few minutes after they've been cheering a team of trained killers playing war games in our airspace.

LEST WE FORGET ... for if we FORGET ... we are doomed to REPEAT (that's how I interpret it, anyway).

So, by all means acknowledge the tragedy, the sacrifice and the loss of life. And there is nothing wrong with old mates getting together.

But, for Christ's sake ... and for all our sakes ... put the war toys away. They are the LAST thing we need to see on ANZAC Day.

Proud Pies · Joined: 22 Feb 2003 Location: Knox-ish

It was exactly the same pre-match entertainment they had last year. It was Anzac Day and they also had the same planes flying overhead at the Anzac Day march. I thoroughly enjoyed the spectacular Roulettes, however, i do understand your concern and i'm sure you weren't the only one.

Although when the chopper was 'waving' to the crowds, i was very concerned because it looked like it was in trouble and i had visions of it breaking up.

Remember, Anzac Day is a day of rememberence, it's also a day of Militarisation, always has been, always will be and the Game yesterday is secondary to what the day represents.

Mr Pieman · Joined: 05 May 2001 Location: Canberra

Get over it. We lost.

London Dave · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2003 9:26 am

Fradam · Joined: 21 Jun 1999 Location: Bendigo, Victoria

I enjoyed the show. It wasn't glorification of war, it was showing what our men and women do in our defence force. It's a day to remember them and to honor their service and sacrifce.

I'm not a fan of the current war but I'm proud of our troops and good on them for being part of a football game, coz after all it's their day, not ours.

Special Delivery · Joined: 27 Jul 2002 Location: From Sydney to Melbourne

Alf,

Again you have written your opinion well and with a strong point at hand.

However I completely disagree.

It is the defence forces. That's defence. It is in remembrance of diggers that died defending our national, and for that matter, international interests.

Having a gripe about a bloody helicopter and the Roulettes lends me to the notion that your point stems from a day of overwhelming disappointment.

There is no politics in ANZAC day. With or without a helicopter and five show planes.

Take the entertainment for what it is worth. I saw no diggers complaining. And it's their day...isn't it?

Dr Alf Andrews · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2003 12:40 pm

MissMagpie_20 · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2003 12:46 pm

I liked the way the war veterans got to go around in cars, and it was nice how some ladies from the war were honoured too rather than all just diggers.

Joel · Joined: 23 Mar 1999 Location: Mornington Peninsula

Oi, no need to get so wound up about it people. There will always be differing opinions, let it be.

Special Delivery · Joined: 27 Jul 2002 Location: From Sydney to Melbourne

Great point missmagpie.

It's absolutely essential that the profile of all of our women who served in any capacity is recognised on our great day too.

They were there in the trenches as much as the men were.

AnthonyC · Joined: 09 Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Alf, I actually enjoyed it more than the footy, can't explain why.

zoia · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2003 5:19 pm

there was some idiot in our cheersquad well a few of them who refused to remove there hats during the minute silenlance i fine this to be very rude then some were even talking, i didnt say anything coz this guy nutted it and told them off but they contuined to wispearand leave there hats on. God forgive these ppl, selfish ppl

Proud Pies · Joined: 22 Feb 2003 Location: Knox-ish

zoia · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2003 6:08 pm

thanks proud pies, but im proud to be an australian. Im also very thankful for the ppl who died for us, and im actually 19 turning 20 in august

Miss_Lisey_Molloy · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2003 6:24 pm

I like all that stuff with the helicopter and things. Its a day to show respect for people who fought in the war and the navy, army and air force are a big aspect of that and they should be allowed to give us something cool to watch. Most of all, little kids love to watch it so they should be allowed to. ( except for the little craps who deliberately spilt drink all over my jarrod molloy bag at the end of yesterdays match, but thats a diff story Razz

)

Oh well just my opinion.
Love always, Alyssa xoxo
15 in 20 days!!