ANZAC Day

[Wayne Lomman]

"They shall not grow 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."

It is a traditional grey misty Anzac Day just to make today's commemoration services that little bit uncomfortable. I can't get out for one today, but as is my tradition, I have started the day listening to 'When the War is Over' by Cold Chisel. It says it all. RIP Dad and Granddad.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

My respects to those in Australia and New Zealand who served in their armed forces.

[Malcolm McLeod]

... RIP Dad and Granddad.

When next you see them, tell them someone said thank you for their service.

"In Flanders Fields the poppies grow..." My grandfather spent 4 years in some of the same mud with the Canadians.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

My father fought in the South Pacific during WWII aboard a US Navy LCI. LCI is the TLA for landing craft infantry. They were a ship designed to run onto a beach. Infantry soldiers ran down two exposed stairways into the water or onto the beach. He seldom talked about his experiences but when he did he spoke highly about Australian Marines running onto beaches into the rifle fire of Japanese snipers.

The song that I discovered two years ago that reminds me of what Australian soldiers have endured is "And the band played Waltzing Matilda". It is a haunting reminder of what war can do to one.

[Chris Parks]

And another song that says it all, Vietnam centred but that was my era when conscripted....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urtiyp-G6jY

[Frederick Skelly]

My respects to those in Australia and New Zealand who served in their armed forces.

+1. My respects to you as well. I've heard and read many stories of your troops' bravery under fire.

Another song that haunts me is this one: The Green Fields of France (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqba0IUdiBk).

Fred

[Roger Nair]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZqN1glz4JY

From the Pogues "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" A very fitting tribute to the universal brotherhood of veterans.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Roger.... here's another version. It is a very haunting song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VktJNNKm3B0

3 years ago my wife and I vacationed on the east and south coast of Australia including Tasmania, visiting most of the major towns. We also toured the Great Ocean Road built by those returning from WWI.

[Mark Blatter]

My father fought in the South Pacific during WWII aboard a US Navy LCI. LCI is the TLA for landing craft infantry. They were a ship designed to run onto a beach. Infantry soldiers ran down two exposed stairways into the water or onto the beach. He seldom talked about his experiences but when he did he spoke highly about Australian Marines running onto beaches into the rifle fire of Japanese snipers.

The song that I discovered two years ago that reminds me of what Australian soldiers have endured is "And the band played Waltzing Matilda". It is a haunting reminder of what war can do to one.

Interesting. My father served as a motor mach on an LCI as well. He was later in the war. He was training for the assault on Japan when the bombs were dropped.

[Wayne Lomman]

All the songs mentioned are on my playlist too. Redgum's I was only 19 cuts pretty close.

On a brighter note, last night I watched a doco on the work of Dr Munjed Al Muderis who is the world leading surgeon specialising in oseointegration. He is doing outstanding work with veterans who have lost limbs in action. It followed the story of a British serviceman who lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan. A few weeks after surgery in Sydney he was able to walk unassisted to meet the Queen and receive an MBE for his work with charity. Cheers

[michael langman]

Thank you for the Remembrance Wayne. I feel deeply for all these men. Peace and Love to All.