SERVING your country is an act of courage, sacrifice and honour.
It creates a bond that only those who serve can understand.
Regardless of whether they stood together and served together, or did their duty at different times, the connection between soldiers is deep and long-lasting.
Just ask Sergeant Jo Moore.
A Quartermaster in the Royal Australian Army, Moore embodies the character and spirit of all those who have come before her, including the great Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes.
Hughes, who was a seven-time premiership player and coach for the Melbourne and Richmond Football Clubs, was also as a Company Quartermaster Sergeant, serving during WWI.
And while the role hasn’t changed all that much over time, the recognition rings just as true.
“If someone identifies my ID out in the community, often people will just stop, step in front of me and say, ‘thank you for your service’,” Moore told Melbourne Media.
“They don’t ask me where I’ve been or what I’ve done – just the fact that I’m wearing boots
and wearing green and have my hair tied back tells them that I’m part of a defence community and have done what was required.
“I definitely appreciate the acknowledgement and I think that’s what anyone ever wants – just to be acknowledged, that you put your hand up, you pulled the boots on and carried that rifle, and did your duty.”
Joining the Army at age 23, Moore was first posted away from home; something she admits was a shock.
But as she travelled overseas and around the country, living in different cities, she took with her the commitment she made to not only herself, but to her country.
It was through these experiences that she realised the extent of what she was capable of.
As Melbourne and Richmond prepare to meet for the annual ANZAC Day Eve match on Saturday night, the two clubs will recognise the men and women who are currently serving.
It’s a game that is far greater than football, and one that holds significance both now and in the future.
“Moving forward, while I really like that we’re acknowledging the modern-day soldier, there’s definitely always room to remember the soldiers that have come before us,” Moore said.
“It’s not to be forgotten that they made the pathway that we now follow, and that ceremonies and traditions need to be taught to our children, so that they can be carried on for generations to come.”
