Anzac Day touches many families
John Dunphy (the taller, darker one) and comrade, WWII
My family is no different. My father served in World War II. He returned. Many did not. For our overseas readers, April 25, ANZAC Day is the day we pay special tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for the freedoms we enjoy in Australia and New Zealand. Why April 25? It is the day that marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I.
For some reason, perhaps because The Last Post was played at my father’s funeral, I always think of him, in rememberance, on ANZAC Day rather than other days that may personally be more significant such as his birthday or the anniversary of his death.
Dad, I’ve really missed you. I wish you hadn’t left us.
Dad is on the far right in the bathers!
The video below is not from an ANZAC Day ceremony, but I liked the visuals accompanying The Last Post.
- 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.
Related:
- Family History a Stark Reminder (teamoyeniyi.com)
- Aussies still in Favour of Anzac Day Holiday (radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com)
- Remembering a century of wars (mjwrightnz.wordpress.com)
- ANZAC – what it really means to be an aussie/kiwi (jobryantnz.wordpress.com)
Sending virtual hugs your way…
Hugs received with many thanks.
http://growingyoungereachday.wordpress.com/
I think under the above you can find Judith.
Thanks! I will visit!
I like to watch the ceremonies on tv, even though I´m not even Australian or had any family involved in any of the big wars I think it´s wonderful that those who lost their lives in the wars are celebrated. I had plans to go and watch the Dawn service at Kings Park in Perth, but the friend I was going with fell sick and I decided not to go. But of course then I regretted it, because it would have been the first time that I was participating in the live commemoration.
I hope to be able to do it next year!
You will get goose bumps, Sami. I always do when I have attended. It was always a very special day for my father, perhaps that is part of why it continues to be a special day for me personally.
Thanks for sharing this, Robyn. Barb (Passionate about Pets) and Judith (I choose how I live my life) also did ANZAC posts today. Did you have a chance to see them?
Not yet, Nancy, no I haven’t. I will have a look when I get home from work.
Thanks for letting me know!
Barb’s source was Jo Bryant, so I visited both and am adding Jo’s link above. It was really sweet. I tried to find Judith, I am not sure if I know her – would you like to leave me a link?