Today is Anzac Day, the Australian and New Zealand version of Memorial Day.
This year, some of the regional governments seem to feel that commemorations are best kept small and private, instead of allowing people to gather as is proper. Not everyone agrees with this.
Monday is Anzac Day observed. Thank you to all Australians and New Zealanders who served and who are still serving.
When I was in Australia, my parents made a special point to take Sib and I to the war memorial in Sidney. You look down on this statue from above. It is very thought provoking. We also went to the Australian Military History museum in Canberra. I had no idea all the conflicts Australia had contributed troops to – a lot.
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
Cat Rotator's Quarterly 
Amen.
Thank you for remembering the Anzacs
You’re welcome. It’s too easy to forget the sacrifices the Anzacs made (and still do make – East Timor among other places).
And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda…
Random trivia: because of the close ties between the 7th Marine Regiment and the Aussies during the South Pacific campaign of WWII, the unit’s official song is “Waltzing Matilda”.
The brass *hates* “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” with a purple polka-dotted passion.
The enlisted are unimpressed by the musical criticism of butterbars.
The date derives from the Gallipoli campaign. From the British perspective it was a disaster – and the fallout forced Churchill to resign and take a commission in the trenches. Yet, for Australia and New Zealand the deaths on those beaches became the most poignant of the entire war.
I didn’t visit the NZ Military Museum. The Scottish Memorial Chapel at Edinburgh Castle was overwhelm set to about 12. Brave lads who went into battle for King and Country. Bless them all, and grant them eternal peace.
Lest we forget…