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 25^th 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