Today the 25th April we in Australia celebrate ANZAC day. For those of you who do not know -ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
It was initially named for all those soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fought and died at Gallipoli, Turkey in WW1.
With the coming of the Second World War, ANZAC Day also served to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in that war. In subsequent years the meaning of the day has been further broadened to include Australians killed in all the military operations in which Australia has been involved. It also helps us remember all those who are currently serving our country in many ways.
We give thanks, remember and show respect towards all those who have given their time and even that supreme sacrifice- their lives- to help keep us safe.
I would like to give thanks to all these men and women who not only left their families but left their country to protect us and to those families - Thank you for giving us your sons and daughters to help us stay safe.
I would like to say to all -no matter where you live- give a silent prayer to all those in any service who may be representing your country to help others live in a safe environment. May All wars and Military Actions end with no more blood shed and lives lost.
The following is an extract from a poem Laurence Binyon named "For the Fallen"- It is read at services to show the significance of what was given for their country.
"Ode of Remembrance"
- They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
- Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
- They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
- They fell with their faces to the foe.
- 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.
Catch you later