Adam Green: Freedom is smiling soldiers with crayon faces

Adam Green

My granddad went to war.

As a child I would sit, his collection of service medals in hand, the small box of souvenirs, trinkets, and faded photos at my side, and I would smile.

I would smile imagining my granddad as a young man, a driver I was told, behind the wheel of what I pictured to be a truck somewhat like the one in the set of plastic army men, setting off on some grand adventure.

Singing jovial songs, and preparing for the task at hand. The great pyramids of Egypt potentially a destination, some time in Italy a certainty. What spectacular sights he must have seen. What friends he must have made.

I would smile with the positivity of youth at my disposal, my connection to the real events of war that unfolded tempered, by the passing of time, and the imagination of a young child not yet fully aware of the extent of the losses endured.

I would watch as my granddad stood proudly at a dawn service, rubbing my eyes, still half asleep in the early morning chill. Excited to be a part of what seemed like a very special day.

I smiled as I watched the adults around me greet each other, a firm handshake, a pat on the back, a cup of hot coffee with "just a touch of rum" my granddad would laugh.

I smiled at the other children as they too stood next to parents, grandparents, mothers, and fathers, some in glorious uniform.

How proud they must be, I thought, admiring the numerous shiny pieces of coloured metal hanging from their chest.

And now I am grown I watch my children learn, a picture drawn in school of Anzac soldiers. They too, smile from ear to ear, the lines of crayon across their faces showing the disposition of children growing up in a country where we are free. Free to love, laugh, and free to smile.

I extend my arms, the same way I have done 1000 times before, the little feet running towards me ready to jump into my arms again, but on this day I smile because my granddad came home. He had a family. A chance to love, laugh and smile.

I'm here because he came home, and that has been denied to so many. That is why . . .

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

• Don't miss Adam Green and Sarah van der Kley on The Hits Hawke's Bay from 6am to 9am, Monday to Friday.