Australian War Memorial dedicates sculpture to veterans to acknowledge suffering

Connie Boglis was on her way to Athens when she received life-changing news about her former partner Jesse Bird – that the 32-year-old Afghanistan veteran had died by suicide at his home on June 27, 2017. Jesse struggled with PTSD after leaving the army in 2012 and spent many years trying to secure financial help and get the Department of Veterans Affairs to recognise the physical injuries he suffered during his military service. He died just weeks after being told his permanent impairment claim had been declined. Connie has worked tirelessly as an advocate for greater support for veterans and their families, in addition to her day job as a counsellor and mental health worker, and, on Australia Day, she received an order of Australia medal for her service in this space. She has worked with the Australian War Memorial to have a sculpture commissioned on the grounds to acknowledge the suffering caused, not only by war and military service but also the struggle to receive recognition back home. The sculpture called ‘For Every Drop Shed in Anguish’ was launched in Canberra yesterday morning. “There are a lot of emotions, but I think the one that I feel most today is peace,” Ms Boglis told Sky News Australia. “It’s been a long journey to get here today – a lot of roundtable discussions and a lot of uncomfortable conversations for our former government, having to have with us, the families that were deep in grief, very angry and, for me, I just wanted acknowledgement for Jesse. “The families and the loved ones carried that in the living, and they needed to be heard, and so it was a very important process for me to make sure that everybody after us in some way can feel that peace and acknowledgement.” If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Open Arms: 1800 011 046 The Defence Family Helpline: 1800 624 608 ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line: 1800 628 036