As Australians across the country pause to remember the sacrifices of our service personnel this ANZAC Day, one heartfelt story stands out—a deeply personal reflection from Paulomi (Polly) Burey, an academic, engineer, and mother, whose late husband, Scotty, was a proud Australian veteran.
For Polly, this year’s ANZAC Day is more than a national observance—it’s a powerful and painful reminder of the legacy of service and sacrifice within her own family.
“At the end of this week will be ANZAC Day. It hits pretty hard this year as my late husband was a veteran,”
she wrote in a moving public post.
Scotty, who had been medically discharged from the Defence Force due to injury and health complications sustained during service, took on the role of primary caregiver to the couple’s two sons, now aged 17 and 15, while Paulomi continued to advance in her career.
“After his medical discharge for injury and associated health conditions, Scotty took on an important role raising our 2 boys as I maintained my career as best I could,”
she shared.
Despite their demanding lives, the couple embraced new beginnings later in life when their daughter was born two years ago.
“When our daughter arrived almost 2 years ago, when we were both at an ‘advanced age’, he also didn’t balk,” Paulomi said.
“He is the core reason which enabled me to do what I do as a professional and gave me the strength to face things I felt I could not.”
But tragedy struck just weeks after last year’s ANZAC Day. Scotty passed away suddenly at the age of 53 due to service-related medical conditions, just one week before their daughter’s first birthday.
“Sadly, Scotty passed away approximately a month after ANZAC Day last year due to his medical conditions from his time in service.
It was sudden and devastating. He was only 53 and just missed our daughter’s first birthday by a week.”
In the midst of grief, Paulomi’s community rallied to help celebrate that milestone.
“My absolutely wonderful colleagues/friends made it the best first birthday she could possibly have given the circumstances.”
The True Meaning of ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day, observed every 25 April, commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops at Gallipoli in 1915, but its legacy extends far beyond that historic campaign. It honours all Australians who have served and fallen in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Yet, as Paulomi’s story shows, the meaning of the day resonates not only with those who wear the uniform but also with the families left behind—those who carry the memories, sacrifices, and struggles well beyond the battlefield.
“Every ANZAC Day, so many people say ‘Lest we forget’, and sometimes it feels like just a platitude,” Paulomi wrote.
“From personal experience, I am letting you know for those left behind we never ever forget. Take care
.”
Her words are a poignant reminder that while wreaths are laid and bugles sound, the effects of military service ripple through generations.
As Australians reflect on sacrifice this ANZAC Day, Paulomi’s tribute to her late husband reminds us of the human faces behind the stories of quiet courage, unwavering support, and enduring love.
Lest we forget—not only the fallen, but the families who carry their legacy forward every single day.
Disclaimer: We have shared this post with kind permission from Paulomi (Polly) Burey.
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