Connecting with history

HISTORY books don't provide you with the sensory elements of war, such as the smell of gunpowder or the prickly feel of woollen uniforms on your skin.

This is the reason why Sam Adams joined the Historical Military Re- enactment group at Ulverstone, who performed a three-shot volley remembrance act at the North Motton Anzac Day service yesterday.

Mr Adams, of Launceston, said he was always interested in history but could only gain a more complete knowledge of the experience of war through these remembrance acts.

"Books only provide you with dates, numbers and information but the experience is something completely different," he said.

Mr Adams said the three- shot volley performed yesterday was a powerful act and allowed people attending the service to connect with their history.

"The shots were symbolic, the power of a gunshot is like the power of the emotions that affect communities and individuals (who know those) that went to war," he said.

"One hundred years later we still remember those shots.

"Through seeing remembrance acts we can begin to imagine what the war could have been like."

Mr Adams said while some people may be worried about the purpose of gunshots in remembering those who served and were lost at war, there was a very strong reason for doing so.

"A lot of people will disagree about how we should remember, but we must gain an appreciation for what the Diggers went through," he said.

"This is also a way of engaging the younger generation with their history."

Mr Adams had a grandfather who served in World War II at the Solomon Islands, another who served within Australia, and his father was in the reserves.

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