Letter to the Editor: Remembering the selfless souls who served on Anzac Day and curbing today’s violence

On Anzac Day, we stop to remember those brave and selfless souls who fought for our nation and those of others.

Gallantly, they marched along the streets of Albany with their hearts filled with strength and courage.

With heads held high, they left our shores into the enemy’s uncharted territory, praying they would return home to their families and a safer world.

Fast forward to present times and those same streets that once bore the weight of soldiers are now tainted with the blood from senseless violence that our town is becoming accustomed to.

There’s hardly a week that goes by without hearing about someone getting assaulted.

Both females and males are being mobbed and bashed — the young and the old. Even vulnerable, innocent people waiting for lifts home after a night out can be cowardly targeted.

Many are outnumbered and defenceless.

Yet so many of these attacks are witnessed by crowds watching or filming — some even laughing — most not wanting to get involved for whatever reason.

But I ask you this: what must it feel like for the victims as they lay on our streets injured and staring into the eyes of those cowardly attackers and bystanders who ignore their screams for help?

What must it feel like to know you’re alone until the police and ambulance arrive?

If Albany wants to be known for all its Anzac commemorations, then how about we collectively find ways to help curb this rise in violence and honour those brave soldiers by making the streets they marched upon safe again?

Marie Bruce, Milpara

Letters to the editor must contain the author’s full name, address and daytime contact number. Letters may be edited for space, clarity or legal reasons. Email news@albanyadvertiser.com or post to PO Box 5168 Albany, WA, 6332.