ANZAC Day ...

[maxyoz]

ANZAC Day has always been special to our family.

My Grandfather served in WWI at was at the Somme. I am fortunate enough to have been given his medals which I wear with pride each year.

My Dad served in WWII in the Pacific Islands as well as with BCOF (Peacekeepers) at the end of the war in Japan. He saw the devastation of Hiroshima after it was bombed.

I served for a few years as well, so I guess genetics does come into it somewhere.

After my wife, kids and I attend dawn service on the beach front at Brighton, we head in for the march in the city.

I have been fortunate to lead my group for the past 6 years, which is an absolute honour, and whilst I have medals of my own, there is something special about wearing medals of an AIF Member from WWI. Lately I have treated every year as incredibly special as my Dad is still marching at 85 years of age and who knows when he can't march anymore. It's a struggle, but I still manage to squeeze into my uniform, don't look as sharp as when my wife first met me, but she says she still loves me.

[Thiele]

My grandpa served in a war. Passed away about 15 years. For the past 5 years my mum, dad and I head down to the Brighton Dawn Service.

[smithy]

http://assets.clubsonline.com.au/assets/console/customitem/attachments/LastPost.mp3
Will head down to diamond park tomorrow morning.
As an ex-pusser I've been in both the remembrance party and as an observer.
Spine tingling stuff.

[Strawb]

Today is the 25th of April ANZAC day here in Australia to remember those who have fought and are still fighting wars to keep this great nation of ours free. Sure Essendon and Collingwood play later on but the day is more important than a football match. It is important as these young men went to fight for what they believed in and some had to fight because they were drafted to do it. To keep our nation free from invaders who want to ruin our freedom of choice. That is what is really important it gives a chance to remember, reflect and give thanks to those who have chosen to serve and protect Australia and New Zealand. I finish with the ode of remembrance

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.

Lest We Forget

[Psyber]

I always thought the word in the ode was contemn not condemn...
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/contemn.

con·temn [kuhn-tem] – verb (used with object)
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.

[Strawb]

I always thought the word in the ode was contemn not condemn...
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/contemn.

con·temn [kuhn-tem] – verb (used with object)
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.

http://www.anzacday.org.au/education/tf ... s.html#the ode
both words suit it and i got it from that website

[Psyber]

Yes, I've looked into it and it seems condemn/contemn is an old debate that presumably persisted when I learned it from a teacher who was a former AIF Sergeant-Major.
http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/comm ... fields.pdf
I can see why it arose as these two meanings of condemn don't seem to make as much sense and the others are further off the point:

con·demn [kuhn-dem]– verb (used with object)
1. to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicate strong disapproval of; censure.
2. to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment: to condemn a murderer to life imprisonment.
.

[godoubleblues]

Yes, I've looked into it and it seems condemn/contemn is an old debate that presumably persisted when I learned it from a teacher who was a former AIF Sergeant-Major.
http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/comm ... fields.pdf
I can see why it arose as these two meanings of condemn don't seem to make as much sense and the others are further off the point:

con·demn [kuhn-dem]– verb (used with object)
1. to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicate strong disapproval of; censure.
2. to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment: to condemn a murderer to life imprisonment.
.

it has been an ongoing debate for years, although I dont think too many people lose any sleep over it

[Dog_ger]

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM

[godoubleblues]

went to the dawn service in Littlehampton this morning
a nice touching service and quite impressed with the turn out, there would have been about 300-400 people there

[Leaping Lindner]

I had one grandfather who served as a stretcher bearer at Gallipolli, and later the trenches in the Great War. And the other served in New Guinea during World War 2. Neither of these gentlemen ever felt the need to go to the Dawn service when they were alive, and later the march, so for me to attend in their memory doesn't seem right to me. I may go one year who knows.

[Dutchy]

Im up in Port Hughes for the weekend and took my son along to the Moonta Mines Bowling Club for their dawn service. It was my sons first expereince and thought it was important to take him as they have been learning about the ANZAC's at school this week. The service spilled out onto the road which had to be closed. Fantastic to see so many there, they said it was the biggest turn out they have had for years. Must admit I havent been to one for a few years but wont be missing another as long as Im able to, sensational.

[JAS]

As someone who served in the RAF for almost 23 years I have no less respect for members of Allied Forces as I do for my own. I also had a great grandfather who survived the Somme and a great uncle (still with us) who spent WWII in the Far East forced to build a railway for the Japenese and a father who did his National Service as a Digger.

Saddened just now to see on the news a report of this Memorial Day for such tragic events being itself marred by tragedy...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-p ... 642536.stm

Thoughts go out to the families and commrades of those involved.

Here is a poem that's also now often used as a Memorial to the Troops...

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousands winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

Regards
JAS

[Dutchy]

I guess its a sign of the times. my 6yo asked last night for me to download the Last Post onto his iPod!

[Cambridge Clarrie]

I guess its a sign of the times. my 6yo asked last night for me to download the Last Post onto his iPod!

[maxyoz]

** BUMP **

Dad and I are flying to Sydney to March for ANZAC Day this year. Dad's 86 and this could be his last one (been saying that for a few years) and he was offered the opportunity to march with his old unit, 81 Fighter Wing. He decided he wanted to go and asked me to go along.
He wanted me to catch up with the guys I served with, but I insisted that this trip is about him, so I will be helping him out on the day, going to lunch with him and his mates and then we fly back home that night.

I might catch up with some of my mates on the Sunday Night - see how I go, but all in all, looking forward to the experience.

PS - can somebody let my lot here in Adelaide know I won't be leading them off this year, thanks.

[Media Park]

Great post and pic by Cambridge Clarrie.

One of my grandparents were in WWII, and he's still kicking around, doesn't think too much about people "grandising the war with parades" (his words), so he doesn't attend.

I moved out of the parents place in 2006, and every Dawn Service since I've attended.... Huge showing of respect from most of the bloody town- not just the families of those who served, and not just young fellas wanting a 7a.m. beer.... Lots of people showing how thankful they were.

This year the new missus is involved in the navy thing, so she's thinking I'm going just for her, but nope!

[the big bang]

Hey guys, anyone here ever been to the Melbourne Dawn Service at the Shrine?

I'll be over there on Monday, and was just wondering what the go is? it starts a 6am at the shrine. should i be getting there at around 5:30?

any help appreciated.

cheers.

[redandblack]

My late father served in WWII in the 2/48th Battalion. He was a 'Rat of Tobruk', served at El Alamein, then in New Guinea and Borneo (perhaps alongside other posters' relatives).

As a lad, I went with him to the Anzac Day marches in town. At that time, the WWI veterans were the old soldiers and the ranks of the WWII veterans were large, with big numbers for each battalion. Relatives didn't march (I think).

Perhaps 10 years ago, after he died, I went to his battalion's reunion at the pub to meet some of his mates.

War defines and affects the rest of the lives of all who serve and we should never forget what they went through for us.

[maxyoz]

Hey guys, anyone here ever been to the Melbourne Dawn Service at the Shrine?

I'll be over there on Monday, and was just wondering what the go is? it starts a 6am at the shrine. should i be getting there at around 5:30?

any help appreciated.

cheers.

I did a few "Guard Duties" at the Shrine of Remembrance and the crowd does flock in. I would suggest 5.30am at the latest.