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Written by aardvark
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Monday, 21 April 2008 10:48 |
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In My View, Anzac Day
Not that many folk in the Western world are aware of the celebration of Anzac Day in Australia, New Zealand, and several of the surrounding islands. It is celebrated on the 25th of April. Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) It was originally established to honor those who participated in the 1915 landing at Gallipoli, but has been expanded to include all armed forces members and veterans who have obeyed the will of their government, and participated in an armed conflict, or service to the home land.
Dawn services are held through Australia and New Zealand, in which a prayer is said and a public address is made by some prominent individual. This is usually followed by the laying of wreaths ,and the reciting of the fourth verse of Laurence Binyon’s 1914 poem for the fallen, known as an Ode of Remembrance. This is followed by a rather solemn moment when a lone bugler plays The Last Post. The flag is lowered to half-mast and a moment of silence is observed. The flag is then returned to the masthead and reveille is played
I had the privilege to attend one of these observances in 1996 in Melbourne while on official duty, and I must say, it was quite moving and appropriate. It is very much like our Memorial and Veterans Day here in the States and Canada.
The celebrations that follow however are something to remember. I was invited to a gathering of Australian Viet-Nam Veterans, I met someone named Matilda that day, but I can’t say I remember much………Cheers
................................jim |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 May 2008 22:24 |
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Written by aardvark
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Thursday, 27 March 2008 12:55 |
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aardvark on Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:55 am
This is a follow up to " In My View," as some more prominent members here has asked for.
Tuesday evening here on the Carolina coast was quite pleasant, 60f, light breeze, nice out side.
My wife had several ladies from a local agency prepare the food and serve it.
(This is very common here, we are not wealthy or have servants) The food was excellent and small talk was pleasant . From the look on my wife's face, she was very pleased that the evening was going so well with no major social faux pas from yours truly.
Not only were the two couples from the club present, but a third couple, who are prospective members at the club, were ask to attend. After dinner, we moved to the garden for a glass of well aged port, and one of the gentlemen wanted a cigar. Smoking is not allowed in our home.
As in settings such as this, the conversation drifted from one topic to another, and it was soon evident that again,
I find myself somewhat isolated from this group of my wife's friends, by ideology. These are all good people, well educated, but just a trifle too liberal for my taste.
I was able, to the delight of my wife, to avoid saying much with an occasional smile or nod to indicate I was still conscious, but then the new fellow ask me a direct question about what I thought, and what was my stand on a local liberal social issue , The smile on my wife's face froze, as she knew I would not avoid this opportunity .
(This same type of question was ask of me here in our forum by a person who I respect, medic58, so I copied my response to him, which sums up what I said. )
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 May 2008 22:23 |
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