ANZAC Day - What does it mean to you? - Lest we forget
ANZAC DAY
Here in Australia, we celebrate ANZAC Day on the 25th April every year. It is a very significant day on which we remember all of our countrymen that died during armed conflict throughout the years. April the 25th is significant as it is day that ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corp) troops landed on the shores of Gallipoli, Turkey during World War I.
As a kid growing up, I always walked down to the memorial clock in my hometown to watch the annual ANZAC parade. Each year the number of WWI diggers marching reduced dramatically until there was none left.
I always am moved when the last post is played and am lucky enough to share this experience with the kids at school when we commemorate ANZAC day each year. I did not personally know any WWI diggers, but have heard the experiences from some WWII and Vietnam War veteran, both of which are no less significant. I am concerned that the day may become less important as veterans pass on and there are less and less people marching each year. I am buoyed by the fact that many generations continue to march wearing their families medals to keep their memories alive.
The significance of what numerous Australians and New Zealanders have done over the years in numerous armed conflicts is unbelievable. Although some have been in vain, such as the Vietnam conflict, they have all shaped the psyche of the nation and we owe a great debt to all who served, especially those who lost their lives.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Thanks for reading.
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great post, I used to love living in Canberra. ANZAC day and particularily Dawn service was alwas such an enormous deal. Can still remember the feeling of my first dawn service there were over 100,000 people there and you could hear a penny drop it was that silient.
Lest we Forget.
I use to march every year as a Ranger Guide. Unfortunately now due to my lovely children I haven’t been to a dawn service in years. Perhaps when they get older we will be able to go. I do go to the school parade most years and I think it’s fantastic that they always have some veterans come along and share their experiences. It’s good for the children to hear their stories.
May the war be over forever with your country and all others around you. Thanks for sharing
I never heard about it...thanks a lot for the information @scooter77
Lovely post and a good reminder for us to pause and remember the efforts of many Australians and New Zealanders overseas in past wars and current times. I’m guilty in that I don’t reflect enough. Today was a heavy reminder of what Anzac Day means to many.