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