Nothing’s too good for our diggers, right? When Jake Kovco died in Iraq there was a spontaneous outpouring of grief amongst the whole apparatus of federal government. I seem to recall the prime minister at the funeral, and the defence minister, and all the chiefs of the armed forces, and an RAAF flypast … all drawn by their respect for one dead soldier. By a happy coincidence some TV crews happened to catch it all and wonderful evening news footage it made to be sure.

Any suggestions that this was all cynically stage-managed bullshit were met with outrage. Once again, we were told, Teh Left revealed its true colours by disrespecting the sacrificies made by our heroic soldiers … even if they were dead from fooling around with weapons contrary to army regulations. Dignitaries from the prime minister down didn’t bother to conceal their contempt for those who impugned their motives in making such a big deal of Kovco’s death.

Naturally then I look forward to some equally public ceremonies to honour other victims of war in the Middle East.

The Federal Government acknowledges two soldiers took their own lives after returning from the Middle East, but veteran activists say there could have been as many as five suicides - and they fear more will come.

To date 121 soldiers returned from the Middle East have been discharged for mental illness. About two dozen have serious psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Families say the soldiers who commit suicide on their return are the hidden casualties of war.

I’m sure Howard, Nelson and the general staff can manage to organise their diaries for an appropriate memorial service. Expect an announcement soon.

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