Billy Hughes should get more recognition

THIS week our schools, hospitals and nursing homes will spend time reflecting and remembering the service and sacrifice that helped forge the Anzac legend at Gallipoli and in France during World War I.We will recall the spirit of people standing up for freedom and democracy in that conflict and others that have since engaged Australians in taking a stand for our cherished beliefs.Anzac week also allows us to pause and consider whether we have shown sufficient gratitude and recognition to those from the era who provided our community and nation with leadership.It seems odd that Bendigo has ignored its role in influencing the path taken by the fledgling Commonwealth Government during World War I through the local member of Parliament during much of that time, the Prime Minister William Morris Hughes. Other former prime ministers are recognised and celebrated in their communities, so why not Bendigo? Hughes, the champion of servicemen dubbed The Little Digger, was Bendigo’s representative in the Commonwealth Parliament from 1917 to 1922, all the time leading the nation and visiting our soldiers abroad.Following the 1919 Peace Conference, our citizens of the day presented Hughes with an illuminated address.He only returned to NSW to represent an inner-Sydney seat after a petition from voters there. In Bendigo, he was succeeded by Geoffrey Hurry, who had been commanding officer of the 38th Battalion, Bendigo’s own. They maintained the spirit born at Gallipoli on Anzac Day 1915, forged in France and continued by generations since.But how wrong it is that in showing our gratitude, we have so far failed to celebrate the spirit and service of Hughes as the member for Bendigo and Prime Minister of Australia in time of war and peace?CHRIS EARL,Kangaroo Flat