The website banner in honour of the ANZACS is a nice touch - thank you.
Thank you for keeping alive the memories of those that sacrificed their lives in the horror that is war. I am grateful to these brave men and women and my heart goes out to the loved ones they left behind.
Yes, a very important day for all true Australians.
We are very lucky that these guys gave of themselves, the ultimate price in some circumstances, so we can do and say as we think, without fear of persecution or retribution.
My daughter is at Anzac Cove for the Dawn Service. We've asked if she can photograph the memorial for my better half's 1st cousin twice removed who was listed "Missing In Action" at Gallipoli.
This is the first Anzac Day with no living family members who served in a World War.
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.
Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, –
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
My Grandfather is still alive, he was a marine in WWII, his wife passed just a few weeks ago, she was a riveter and also worked on spitfires, she told the most amazing stories about London during the blitz.
He told me a story just a few weeks ago about how a lot of the marines were terrified of getting their innoculation needle, so he charged them a shilling each to take their place. I asked him how many times he got the shots, he dipped his head in thought and said, "I dunno, it woulda been over 20 by the time the bloke recognised me and told me to piss off".
I lost my brother on Anzac day 15 years ago as well, I think of everyone who lost so much. It is impossible to imagine.
Lest we forget.
Lest we forget, My Father was one of the Rats of Tobruk..
So was my Grandfather!
Went to the Mannum Dawn Service this morning. Long way from home but I was in the area, so I thought, why the hell not. After the service, went and caught two carp out of the Murray and helped a bird (feathered variety) after it was hit by a car (which didn't stop) Bird was safely escorted off the road and cleaned up the blood on it. I stayed with it until it decided it was well enough and took off... Must have just had a bit of concussion. Productive morning.
They have no grave but the cruel sea
No flowers lay at their head
A rusting hulk is their tombstone
Afast on the ocean bed
We Will Remember Them
"LEST WE FORGET"
Cheers
ex LS/QMG
HMAShips Archer (P-86) and Buccaneer (P-100)
1966 - 1982
Much respect to the TRUE heroes who fought and are still fighting for us, Your valour will not be forgotten. To those still deployed overseas,Please keep safe and return to us soon. We are so proud,,,,,,,Lest we forget
Its back 
