As one walks along this track, plaques are strategically placed relating to the history of the conflicts post Second World War that Australians' have been involved in. These include: - Vietnam, Borneo, Malaya and Korea.
The track is aptly named after a young 18 year old sailor and local hero, Ordinary Seaman Edward 'Teddy' Sheehan of the Royal Australian Navy who served on the HMAS Armidale during the Second World War. HMAS Armidale was deployed to Betao, Timor.
It was during Armidale's return voyage home to Darwin on December 1, 1942, that it encountered Japanese aircraft assault in the Arafura Sea, off the coast of Timor, and it began to sink after the first torpedo.
Even though the order had been given to abandon ship 'Teddy,' who was one of the wounded, remained behind and strapped himself to his Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun aboard the navy ship and continued to fire this AA gun at Japanese aircraft until the ship sank beneath him. He unselfishly sacrificed his own life in order to fight off those trying to kill his fellow shipmates.
Another brave solider was farewelled in Tasmanian recently. He was 22 year old Corporal Richard Atkinson. He was killed in action by an improvised explosive devise or (IED) on February 2nd.
It was his job to go ahead of his fellow soldiers and find these IED's and make it safe for the rest of the infantry. Just like 'Teddy' and Corporal Richard Atkinson, many men and women have sacrificed their lives while on duty for their country.
Both 'Teddy and Corporal Atkinson's focus was on their tasks. They displayed passion, courage and determination, and they answered the call of duty for their country making the ultimate sacrifice. Every Anzac service remembers such people.
Not every one of us will be placed in situations where we find ourselves making decisions that will place our own lives on the line. However, when we consider what Jesus calls us to do, we are to give our all to him and surrender our will to His.
We have the promise of today, we are not privy to the future, but God is. Therefore, we should be challenging ourselves to set our focus on Eternity.
What are the things within each of us that may need to be sacrificed to gain more of Jesus and in consequence less of ourselves? The very things that need to disappear from our lives can "only be achieved" in and through Jesus, as we walk in a closer relationship with Him.
'Teddy' and Corporal Atkinson's focus was on the idea of freedom associated with national sovereignty, a freedom that demands sacrifice as we have recently witnessed on our news in Egypt. Freedom brings with it political responsibilities for our nation, our state and our local communities.
Jesus sacrifice, on the other hand, a sacrifice for you and for me and indeed, all humanity, is associated with a different kind of freedom. With this freedom you can choose eternity and with it comes an abundance of His Spirit within us to make right choices, perceive wisdom and experience spiritual and practical discernment.
