(Click on the image above to enlarge the print.) 
Anzac Day has been a memorial day for Australians since the First World War. It is a National Day of remembrance and honour for those who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom for their own countrymen and for others.
It recalls the first time Australians and New Zealanders shed their blood on foreign soil under their own name and flag. Australia and New Zealand were recognized as individual and legitimate nations among the nations of the world.
They proved their tenacity and courage, their good humour and devotion to duty, making a name for themselves even among the enemy of the day.
One outstanding quality exhibited was their mateship. This is a quality that Australians cherish more than any other.
Today many thousands around the country gathered at Dawn Services to remember and to honour them, and to pledge to serve as they served. Many people from children to aged ex-soldiers marched the streets to remember.
The tribute above was kindly put together by our friend, Mary, so that we might understand and appreciate ANZAC Day. Mary is the mother of our daughter Bonnie's husband. Bonnie lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
Although all of us, especially the veterans and the warriors among us, greatly desire to see an end to war, it is comforting to know that when we have had to turn to that last resort, we have had friends and allies such as the courageous citizens of Australia and New Zealand. Far away in terms of geography, they are near and dear to our hearts.
For more information on ANZAC Day, check out this link.
Coincidentally, our local radio station sent one of their broadcasters to Melbourne for the ANZAC Day memorial with a delegation of six Colorado veterans who served in the South Pacific. For some fascinating insights and audio clips, check out the 850 KOA web site.
2 comments:
This is a wonderful post Dad ! It's early morning, Anzac Day, here. Not early early ... the dawn service is well and truly finished by now. Had I not read your post, and of course the email that Mum G. sent with that tribute, the day may have gone by without much thought from me. I'm glad it won't ...
How wonderfully you have put this together, Jim.
I am so encouraged that you and your friends in America can feel some of our precious history. We appreciate your help in preserving that during the various Pacific conflicts. Today is not just a mourning, but a thanksgiving and appreciation.
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