I will never understand the glorification of war and the hero worship that soldiers receive for killing one another in combat. We have a public holiday in Australia called Anzac Day when we commemorate our fallen ‘heroes’ who have died in battle. Our political and defence leaders regale horror stories on this day about the bravery of our soldiers who died defending our shores, and our freedoms. Some soldiers are conscripted into the armed forces against their will, others naively enlist seeking adventure while the majority simply want a steady paying job. It is a documented fact that many armed forces personnel are scarred psycologically for life from their experiences on the battlefield. Many are so traumatised by the experience that they become dysfunctional members of society after being discharged, and some ex servicemen take their own life rather than live with the guilt and shocking memories. Throughout the ages imperialism has divided and conquered weaker nations in the quest for power, riches and land. Nothing has really changed. Politicians and social commentators can never agree with one another that wars solve problems, and make the world a better place in which to live. We just become desensitized to its bloody-mindedness to the point where we openly commemorate and celebrate the horrors of conflict. There are no heroes or cowards on the battlefield. Bullets kill indiscriminately. I don't know if we go to another place, but I'm sure as hell don't want to end up back here. Jens Ward, Wardswords