Anzac Day 2010

[Abathyn Dalmoir]

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They shall grow not 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.​

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Please share your thoughts on anzac day, the day of rememberance for soldiers in world war 1, 2, and other wars that the anzacs have been a part of. If you aren't from NZ or Australia, maybe share a little about an anzac equivalent in your part of the world.

By the way, the dawn service today was awesome and actually warm. Next year I want to be a wreath layer-er, or something.

 

[Clara Schwarz]

I went to Anzac Cove while I was in Turkey and it was a really amazing experience. We were pretty much the only people there (contrast to today), and it was really fascinating (but quite sad) to see the place where they were supposed to land, and where they actually did land (vast difference in terrain). We went around to most of the memorials, too, and it was just...such an incredible experience.

My grandfather, who passed away in December of last year, was also involved in World War Two, while my grandmother was involved in domestic duties on the home front. My grandfather fought in one of the smaller campaigns, and from what I've been told, he was one of the few lucky to survive. It really makes you think. My dad, also, has recently been deployed overseas, on the Egypt/Israel border, but he's just come home and he's here in Brisbane for Anzac Day.

My thoughts are with all the soldiers currently deployed, as well as all those who have lost their lives in the past hundred or so years, and those who have lost family members.

 

[Aroha Jennings]

My great grandad was a tail gunner for the RAF in WW2. We recently found his wings etc, and I really hope to take to the air someday like him. Actually, I'm looking at doing an airforce programme next school holidays. I'm proud of grandad for being in the war, but I really wish it hadn't had to happen. As a member of Amnesty International (at school) I'm completely against violence (unless it's Taekwon Do. But even that is scary.)

Like I said, we went to the dawn service today. It was really moving to watch

Camilla, those photos are awesome! I really want to go to Gallipoli one day.. maybe I'll fly there when I get my license

 

[Melodie Lowe]

Today our church remembered Sid Harlow. One of our most beloved members, he passed away last year age 93. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met, he had so many wonderful stories to tell, especially about fighting in both world wars. After serving in the army as a bomb maker he was left with only 3 fingers and 1 thumb. He never complained though, he always remembered what he had to be thankful for and kept living life to the fullest even with his old age. He lived next to Liberton christian school and loved to watch the joy the children had as they played.
RIP Sid, lest we forget.
And the dawn service and special church service were beautiful. Its always a lovely thing to attend.

 

[Clara Schwarz]

Oh, almost forgot!

While I was here, Dad and I met a couple of Turkish guards. They asked us if we needed any assistance and then asked where we were from. Dad said 'Australia', and the one that didn't speak English said something to the other one, who then translated. "Your soldiers and our soldiers are both buried here, together." Dad was practically in tears. It was really moving to hear it.

This year, also, it was the first year the Turkish flag was flown at the Dawn Service in Brisbane. I think it's a wonderful thing that we're able to put the bloodshed in the past and acknowledge that both sides lost far too many people in the war. And that we can be on relatively good terms now. I am very happy to see that.

 

[Miles Vanderwolf]

I didn't go to a dawn service this year, but I still thought about Anzac Day.

My Grandfather was in the Navy for a long time, so every year he marches in a parade with all his old friends from those times. It's so sad that there are less and less of them every year.
Also, my Grandmother was in the Woman's Royal Navy, so she usually goes along too. But she broke her leg badly last week and couldn't.

Anyway, I think Anzac Day, or any other war-related holiday is something that we shouldn't let be forgotten. Because while some think it celebrates war, it really serves as a time to appreciate those that gave their lives in the past, and also the present.