Anzac Day / Poppy Day

[Andre]

We have only died in vain if you believe so;
You have to decide the wisdom of our choice,
By the world you shall build upon our headstones,
And the everlasting truth, which have your voice.

Though dead, we are no heroes yet, nor can be,
'Till the living by their lives which are the tools,
Carve us the epitaph of wise men,
And give us not the epitaph of fools.

David J. Phillips, 506th  P.F.R./101 Abne Div.

[VladTepes]

A big thank you to all our servicemen (and women) past and present.

"Lest We Forget" means, 'In case we forget'. It means that we need to remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of those soldiers, sailors and airmen.

The fought (and still fight) for their country (and thanks to them, our country), for us and of course for their mates.

There was a time when, with the number of WW1 and WW2 veterans diminishing, there was fear that the ANZAC Day marches and services would dwindle.  Fortunately there were some who saw a bigger picture, we then saw the VVMC participating in the way they chose, people marching with their relatives medals on their right breast, the lesson being taught to the young and their involvement as appropriate.

Now the meaning of ANZAC Day, and attendances at ceremonies, seems safe for some time to come.

I was gratified to see a ceremony occur on Monday 23rd in ANZAC Square, Brisbane, specifically for school children - seemingly of primary school age. Many had wreaths which they laid at the eternal flame. This was no minor thing, it was attended by the Governor and other dignitaries.

I don't have kids myself, but I was so proud of those kids and so happy that they were able to participate in that way.

[VladTepes]

I attended the Dawn Service at Redcliffe, as I do each year, and while a few spits of rain fell early it stopped by the time of the ceremony, with the sun rising over a peaceful beach and calm water - much the opposite of the 25th of April 1915 on the deadly beachhead at Gallipoli.

Local poet and author Rupert McCall was also there - he writes a poem each year and this years was a cracker.   see video here: http://www.redcliffersl.com.au/anzacday/  skip to 49:40 to hear the poem read.


Guest of Honour was Dan Keighran VC, who made a passionate speech and reminded everyone how important it is to remember and actively help to assist veterans 365 days a year - not just ANZAC and Remembrance days.

see video here (same link as above): http://www.redcliffersl.com.au/anzacday/
skip to 1:02:08 to hear the him describe the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and then segue that into his other comments and how former soldiers, sailors, and airmen (and women)  continue to serve their countries long after they have hung up their uniforms.  It was an inspiring speech.

[Kiwifruit]

I feel that many in New Zealand now see Anzac Day as our 'New Zealand Day'.
We have Waitangi Day which l feel is just a holiday, it comes with some contention. Anzac Day has no contention and is seen as a day of respect, reflection and rememberance. Every year l see more attending the Dawn Service and the various services held throughout the day.
A lot of kids and young people attend now, they stand tall and proud wearing their families medals, sharing the bond made at such cost with our Aussie cousins this day so many years ago.

[Mrg]

I do love this time of the year for people to show there appreciation of the fallen and those who's have Bevin there time to service and those how dedicate there time working so hard for this great time of the year to honour all service men and women around the world 🌎

[Andre]

to honour all service men and women around the world 🌎

There is one exception: Germany

[Mick_J]

A bit harsh, if it wasn't for them we wouldn't have any of these events 

[ARH]

We should be celebrating all heroes regardless of race, religion or country of origin.  War is a terrible thing, irrespective of the origins.... with innocents suffering the most.   All of our heroes are those who protect those innocents and everything they hold dear.  That is something that should never be forgotten.

[VladTepes]

This is the poem that Rupert McCall wrote, and read at the ANZAC day ceremony this year.

A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW

When the playing of the bugle sent a shiver down my spine
When I felt a sense of duty and stepped up to join the line
A song was sung, my heart was young, the ship it sailed away
When I caught my mother crying and I had no words to say
When I wore my country's coat of arms to pledge a solemn vow
I didn't think they'd honour me a hundred years from now               

When I landed in an ambush on that distant foreign shore
When I saw the bullets flying and I heard the canon roar
I turned my head, my friend lay dead, it happened so damn fast
When I made it through the mayhem of that terrifying blast
When I managed to survive that day...still I don't know how
I didn't think they'd tell the tale a hundred years from now

When the battle raged forever and adversity was rife
When the courage and the sacrifice were daily facts of life
As darkness fell, it seemed like hell, but mateship got us through
When nothing else made any sense... that's the flag we flew
When thoughts of home revived my strength and wiped my bloody brow
I didn't think they'd call me 'brave' a hundred years from now

When I felt a chill that morning – when my heart beat like a drum
When the captain gave his orders and I knew the time had come
No glory there, just pure despair, my best is what I gave
When they wrote 'lest we forget' upon the headstone of my grave
When, beside my cross, the children of the future stop to bow
My spirit will remain alive a hundred years from now   


When the playing of the bugle sends a shiver down your spine
When you understand the blood you bleed is just the same as mine
From dreamtime land to coastal sand, the city to the sprawl
When the essence of my legacy unites Australians all
When Anzac legend shines a light on all who make that vow
With pride, the world will know their name a hundred years from now...

And their courage will be just the same...a hundred years from now



Rupert McCall