ANZAC Day

[brian ross]

A most unusual ANZAC Day. Normally, Australians gather together at Dawn at a War Memorial for the traditional Dawn Service, followed by a march by old comrades. We remember those who gave their lives so that we might enjoy the freedom we have.

This year, because of COVID-19, all Dawn Services were cancelled. The Marches have been cancelled.

Someone came up with the bright idea that we should gather on our streets, enjoying social distancing and commemorate ANZAC Day.

Well, it was my intention, I have to admit to observe if from the warmth of my bed. However my daughter had other ideas and at a few minutes to six a.m. she woke me with the announcement, "come out, the whole street is out there." Oh, well, it appears I was required. Up I got and out I walked.

Interestingly, indeed the whole street was awake and gathered on the corner. We observed social distancing and listened to a radio someone had put there. We heard bugle calls of the Last Post and Reveille. Everybody was silent and respectful. A kind lady handed out ANZAC Biscuits and sprigs of Rosemary. We all spoke a few words to one another and then we all went home.

Normally, I got down at 5:30 am to a local sea side suburb when many from my old unit gather and last year was unusual because of the reduced numbers, I marched. Normally I just stand on the sidelines and observe the old diggers when they march to the Dawn Service. I haven't thought I was qualified enough but last year I did. This year, there were no marches, no pomp, no ceremony. Late on, I'll take my daughter up to the local War Memorial and pay our respects at the roundabout.

We remembered them.

[Bobby]

I don't like ANZAC day.

WW1.
The soldiers who went over - whether as volunteers
or in many countries conscripted, did not know that
they would be forced to go over the top and
charge machine guns.
Some who refused where shot as cowards by their own side.
They didn't know that gigantic shells would rain down from the sky
and blow them to pieces as they sat in the trenches.
They didn't know that chemical weapons would be used against them.
Many died instantly and others died in agony
over many days.

The soldiers were deceived by their Governments.
I can't believe that any sane person would volunteer
to do that.

Soldiers could have stayed in Australia and New Zealand
and lived normal happy lives -
they didn't really need to go.
The war could have been solved by politicians
signing some sort of agreement instead of putting more men
into the meat grinder.
When millions had died it still wasn't enough -
many more millions were sent in to die as well.

To me what happened was criminal and the leaders of both
sides should have been hanged for what they did.

It's hardly something we should be proud about.

[Black Orchid]

Lest we forget. I made Anzac bickies.

[sprintcyclist]

Good thoughts Bobby.

I don't want to glorify war and think it is a result of a political failure.
Good war books are 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and 'Birdsong"
'Birdsong' is very good.

Then again, what to do if an enemy is amassing forces overseas OR attacking us here ?

[Bobby]

Good thoughts Bobby.

I don't want to glorify war and think it is a result of a political failure.
Good war books are 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and 'Birdsong"
'Birdsong' is very good.

Then again, what to do if an enemy is amassing forces overseas OR attacking us here ?

That's different to a far away war in Europe.

But as for the ANZAC's -

I will remember them - the poor souls.