ANZAC Day

It wouldn't be 25th April without the Aussies in your midst bringing this up.

Having just gotten back from Brisbane's Dawn Service, I'd like to take this opportunity to post what's called "The Ode"

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.


This is part of a longer poem by Laurence Binyon called "For the Fallen" You can read it here: For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon

ANZAC Day isn't about glorifying war - it's about glorifying those who, when called, go to these wars. Whether as soldiers, sailors, airmen, nurses, doctors and the hundreds of others who support them to do their job.

Today, ANZAC day also honours those who fought in the army of other countries as well - including those who were "enemies" of Australia. In Brisbane's ANZAC Day Parade, regiments of German, Japanese, Turkish, etc., veterans. The wreathes around the Eternal Flame in ANZAC Square contain memorieals for enemies, as well as locals.

How does this relate to Gatch? Well, some of those who went to war were teenagers. Many were as young as 14 or 15 - they lied about their age to join up.

Our favorite birdies weren't the first teenagers to have to fight - but when you think about it, it's really a horrible thing to think that throughout history, children have fought for the freedoms we now enjoy.

And so, throughout Australia and New Zealand, we bow our heads for 1 minute silence.

Lest We Forget

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"When I'm old, I don't want them to say of me, "She's so charming." I want them to say, "Be careful, I think she's armed." -G. Stoddart

So do you have barbecues like we do on Memorial day? I admire all of the brave heroes who fought for our freedom...I plan to do something special with my class for Memorial day...

Relax and enjoy your holiday!

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There is no problem that cannot be solved with time, patience, and a judicious amount of high explosives.

My mother marches - she was in the Army (retired as a Major when she got pregnant with me) and I have a number of rellies past and present who were in the armed forces.

The funny thing about mum in the army - women were not allowed to be armed, so she had a male Corporal at her side at all times when on duty. His job was to basically have a sidearm for her use if required. Basically - a bodyguard.

I was at the Dawn Service in Anzac Square in Brisbane this morning (yes - up to be there at 4am) and there were 15,000 people there. I was glad I got there early for a good spot. I was going to stay for the parade (happenign now) but wanted to get home to talk to a certain Condor I'm involved with.....

Our tradition for Anzac Day is two-up. It's legal for this day only and only at RSL clubs. Basically - it;s a game played with two coins. The coins are put on a stick, both heads up. Then you toss them, and the bets are laid on how they land. How to play Two Up

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"When I'm old, I don't want them to say of me, "She's so charming." I want them to say, "Be careful, I think she's armed." -G. Stoddart

We celebrate November 11 (Remembrance Day) as well, and wear poppies for that. I think that's a Commonwealth day of rememberance, as it's celebrated in the UK as well.

But Anzac Day is the day we get a public holiday on.

The televised Dawn Service from Gallipoli is just on at the moment.

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"When I'm old, I don't want them to say of me, "She's so charming." I want them to say, "Be careful, I think she's armed." -G. Stoddart