Today is ANZAC day. This is when Australians and New Zealanders commemorate the landing of our soldiers on the beaches of Gallipoli (Turkey) on 25 April, 1915. Many Aussie's will find themselves at a March today. Whether they are marching with an organisation, wearing medals earned by their grandfather's or waving a flag at the side, it's all important. It's an important part of our culture because we remember a significant day in our Nation's history. Many will also find themselves at the pub today, especially those who have been to war. You see, today they go to the pub with mates who went with them. They drink to peace and have another one for their fallen brothers. Then, they have another.
I don't know what it's like to face an enemy, watch a friend die beside you, endure torture, come home to a different world and start life again. I don't know anything about it. I just know that I'm very grateful for those soldiers who went to war on my behalf. I have tremendous respect for the men and women who serve their country as part of our defence forces today. I am in awe of them.
Today, I won't be marching. I won't be waving a flag. Today, I will be praying for peace.
Below, the poem written in 2013 and edited in 2016 is republished, so it's about time we revisit it. Take a moment to "remember them" today.
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Thank you for the ANZAC
(ANZAC DAY 2013)
Thank you for the ANZAC
Thank you for the boys
Who bravely disembarked the ships-
Ambushed on Turkey's shores.
Thank you for the soldiers
Thank you for those kids
They volunteered, to us defend
Our freedom-never stripped.
Thank you for their courage
Thank you for those men
Fighting for freedom and for peace
Their stories ended then.
Thank you for Survivors
Thank you for their safe return
They tell us of their hell on earth
From this, we hope to learn
We are very lucky
We never will forget
The sacrifice of millions
For Peace - we don't have yet!
