ANZAC Day
Ilene Dover
For this day, just one day, I would like to set aside petty politicking and nationalism. Tonight it is just me, writing from the heart. I do not wear any official hat, in fact, my head is bare as symbolised by the absent banner. There will be no flashy images in this article. Your imagination must do the job instead.
Today, April 25, marks ANZAC Day here in Australia. Originally, it was a day to commemorate the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand that were sent to the other side of the world to fight in the First World War. It has become a Memorial Day of sorts to our soldiers in all conflicts.
Although we play at war in this game, it is important to remember that war is a real thing in this world of flesh and blood. It touches too many of us.
If music helps you picture a setting, please listen to The Last Post. I am sure you can find it on YouTube. I can't link it, because listening to it makes me cry. Even more than I already am.
Today is not just about those in uniform, or that used to wear a uniform. It is also about their mothers. Their daughters. Their sisters and brothers. Their fathers and their sons. And their friends. All of us touched by war and conflict.
I have little more to say today that are my own words. A poem from the First World War says much of what I think:
I didn't raise my son to be a soldier,
I brought him up to be my pride and joy.
Who dares to put a musket on his shoulder,
To kill some other mother's darling boy?
If that doesn't move you, perhaps the words of Australian band Redgum will:
"God held me..........
......................
......................
I was only nineteen..."
Good night, and God bless.
Lest we forget...
Comments
I am the same, everytime I hear the Last Post I tear up. I was lucky enough to don the uniform of our armed services and to serve my country. I say lucky, because whether you believe in this battle or that one, it is those who served and gave their all, that allows us to lead the life's we do now
now.
Not only them, but the ones they left behind, the ones who have a place in their hearts for lost sons, daughters, mates, friends.
If you see a veteran, see a serviceman, see someone who has a family member who served, please take the time to say 'thank you'
o7
Respect.
o7
Real life in erep,it's ok as long as it is Australian in nature.
o7 Lest we forget!
Australia is my second home and I know how important this day is for every Aussie...
o/
So many articles and all are nice!
o7
o7
Great article, sad, but great.
O7.
Was up for the dawn service in Roseville at 5am this morning. Usually more likely to see 5am from the other side, but this was a moving start to an emotional day and glad I could pay my respects.
Interesting... what does ANZAC stand for? Australia and New Zealand... AC? 😒
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
O7
I paid my tribute today among with IRL Aussies in a military cemetery, it was my first ANZAC day, but truly unforgettable, and those won't be forgotten who had been fallen!
Lest we forget!
o7
Lest we forget
Every time I read, watch, listen to what happened 25/04/1915 I get sad and angry.... angry at the fact the military 'leaders' ordered people to go "over the top" with an almost 100% probability of being killed.
Bravery of the soldiers, yes (in huge amounts, that I will never understand). They, the brave, must be remembered. Those in WWI that thought it acceptable to order 'boys' to their certain death in such a reckless manner....well 'F' them.
Neil.