Australians appear 'unwilling' to praise and remember those who died for us: Bolt

Sky News host Andrew Bolt says Remembrance Day seemed to pass by with little thought – owing to a growing unwillingness to praise those who died for us because we "envy their heroism and fear we cannot match it".

"Remembrance Day – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when World War I finally ended ... today I was struck by how the moment seemed to pass by with little thought," Mr Bolt said

Mr Bolt spoke of "two of the greatest speeches ever written" over the bodies of those who died in war – Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Pericles' Funeral Oration.

Both speeches talked about praising, honouring and remembering the fallen – "to remind people of what was worth fighting for and to set for themselves a standard to meet should it ever come to that".

"Who could say that kind of thing now – in Australia – and not think, hmm, a little bit too dramatic – too intense," he said.

"Pericles warned back then of when people would think such a day as this was a bother, the war stories too hokey, the heroism far fetched – painted on much too thick. Maybe even a lie.

"Is that where we're going? Not willing any more to praise those who died for us because we envy their heroism and fear we can't match it – or even understand it.

"I hope I'm wrong – and hope I'll never see the proof I'm right."

[videofreak]

The diggers would be rolling over in their graves atm, if they knew, what they fought for, is being taken away from us.

[winstonsmith]

The Australian People are shell shocked and angry by the behaviour from our Politicians in the last 18 months.

[Michaelbrown-chrw]

They died for nothing Australia is not Australia anymore what a shameful situation

[graceg]

Our Anzac can not rest in peace until Australians human rights are restored and the corrupt are jailed.

[suparoo]

I remember from school nearly 70 years ago of the minute's silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month ... "Armistice Day"

[Ultronmclovin]

Your government that now resides has become/is everything they fought against
Your government has made their sacrifice meaningless

[imyourdoctor]

Having the politicians at the shrine is a desecration

[scarseven]

They died for our freedom so we could just hand them over to our governments without a whimper.

[iron_underdog]

Because the average Australian is far removed from that time in history and do not have the collective experience of the pain of war (in living memory). We are also culturally diverse where peoples grandparents and great grandparents had nothing to do with Australia so those thoughts and values can not be passed down. Apart from sport there is not much that rallies Australians any more.

Personally, I think if there was a a major war (which could be likely) and conscription was brought back, you would see loads of first and second generation Australians suddenly up for the motherlands and leave OZ. Australian virtues exist in few ppl anymore....

[jameshadland]

We had a few beers for our fallen this year since the bs the government's been doing no ones able to gather in mass for remembrance day.

Only five years ago remembrance day was a huge event for all Australians and now it's just in shambles just like our freedoms.

"Least we forget"

[sueturner]

The social fabric of our country has been going backwards for years. Governments make promises and do the opposite. I am older but I truly fear for the country I grew up in. I never thought I would see segregation in my country but I was wrong. Lest we Forget.

[Westyrulz]

The Multicult has wrecked Oz.Most of us no longer recognise our home anymore.We have knifed the Kokoda generation in the back & have become an Asian nation despite thier sacrifice.

[JamesStaaks]

We are now a shadow of the country our ancestors fought and died for. Most people don’t give a stuff now. Sadly.

[papajo]

Real Aussies will always respect the sacrifices made, the culture and moral code of our defence force. Equal for the best or better.
Keep the politicians out of it, including the disgraceful PM.
With each new year we have fewer Aussies that genuinely love this country and appreciate the freedom that has been fought for.

[jeddadog]

Western society created the best places to live. Proof is that so many people from other societies etc come to live in western societies. Problem is once they are here they want to change it. Welcome to the new world

[nickhanlon]

I think the woman who claims to be Aboriginal should think for just a moment. Were Aborigines killing each other or dancing at Corrobees all the time? How many elections did they hold? What were women's rights like? What great works of literature did they write?

[davidcampbell]

Masiv rispect for the ADF from the UK 🇬🇧🇦🇺

[janepearson]

The Aussie Cossack conducted a service in Sydney today. He raised the flag himself. No one else was their to support him or respect the brave people that fought and died for us . Sad times

[tinto]

Ben Robert Smith said it best, don't join the defense force because they will screw you over.

[reecewatson]

Sad as an American I have taken my children to the Veteran wall and I tell them to always remember them they gave their lives so we can be free. Remember your Vets. living and dead they gave all for you to live free...