Lest We Forget - Anzac Day
Hi Everyone,
This is not a WA related blog, but I felt that I wanted to share it with you all.
Today is the 25th April and it is a very important day here in Australia, it is Anzac Day.
ANZAC - Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served". (Wikipedia)
On April 25th 1915, World War 1, Australian and New Zealand forces landed in Gallipoli, Turkey. The campaign lasted 8 months, and more than 8000 soldiers died. This became the day, Australians' remember the sacrifice of those that died in the war. Of course there have been many conflicts since then, and now all service men and women both past and present are honored.
With a poppy on our chest, it starts with dawn services all over the country, where wreaths are laid and "the last post" rings out into the dark, played by a single bugle player. Then comes the Anzac march, people line the streets and cheer on the service men and women, their chests covered in medals, standing proud. For those who cannot walk anymore, they are pushed in wheelchairs or driven in cars. For those who are no longer with us, they are represented by proud family members. Then the diggers gather to enjoy the afternoon, to have a beer, reminisce and reflect.
I am very grateful for the sacrifices these men and women and their families made, to afford us the freedoms we enjoy today.
Do you ever wonder what life and the world would be like today, without these brave people?
Do you have a special day in whatever country you hail from, where you celebrate your service men and women? I would be interested to hear about it.
Thank you for reading.
LEST WE FORGET
Jenny
Recent Comments
19
Hi Tom, cheers to that! Thanks for reading, and leaving such a heartfelt comment. Hope you had a good Anzac Day.
Jenny
Thanks for sharing and yes we should always remember those that have fought and lost their lives defending our countries.
Hi Dena, I was happy to share this very important day and thank you for your thoughts.
Jenny
Thank you. We must never forget any of the people who have fought valiantly to defend freedom.
Sheila
A lovely post, Jenny. Thank you.
There were many Anzac remembrance services today throughout New Zealand. I watched the service held in Wellington, our capital city, this morning. It was a beautiful service with so many dignitaries laying wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph and a magnificent choir providing appropriately wonderful singing. It was lovely to see and hear messages read by young people each from New Zealand, Australian and Turkey.
Least We Forget.
Your welcome Valerie. There were many services here in Oz also, watched a couple on the TV. I always feel a run of emotions when watching! sad at dawn services, proud and happy at the Anzac march and love to see the old diggers, their chest full of medals, catching up and having a beer. I agree, it is lovely to see the young ones involved, gives them a greater understanding.
All the best
Jenny
Thank you very much Jenny. You say so well, and I agree. I love to see the medals too :)
Best wishes.
Valerie
Hi Jenny
We celebrate Remembrance Day on the nearest Sunday to 11th November.
We wear Poppies to commemorate those who have lost their lives fighting for their country.
Jackie
Hi Jackie, thanks for replying. Yes we do Remembrance day on the 11th November also. I think it's important to take a minute to remember and reflect.
Jenny
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Hi Jenny,
In the US we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 to honor all that have served.
On the last Monday in May we have Memorial Day to honor those that have lost their lives defending our nation and others.
Hi Tom, thanks for sharing these important days. I think it is a matter of respect, to honour our service men and women both past and present, who have enabled us to enjoy a life of freedom. It's important not to forget the past, so mistakes are not repeated!
On a lighter note, thanks for dropping by, and have a great day.
Jenny
When you say it's important not to forget the past, it hits are to me. Right now in this country they are erasing history in the name of political correctness. Statues have been removed and classroom books are being altered, I hope the kids are smarter than that.
All the Best,
Tom
Hi Tom, that's crazy, how can they change the past? they can't. We need to remember the past and learn from it, that's how we make a better world. It is political correctness gone mad. I fear for the young ones growing up these days, and I too, hope they are smarter than that.
Jenny