ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is a public holiday here in Australia. Despite the dawn services, marches, reminders on television and in other media I am constantly amazed at the number of people who do not understand why we have this day. At the same time the number of people attending ANZAC parades, marches, ceremonies and services is increasing markedly every year.During World War 1 Australian soldiers landed, slightly off course, at the foot of almost perpendicular cliffs, on the beaches of Galipolli, Turkey. The tides made reaching shore difficult, the chances of escape were negligible and yet brave men ran up those cliff faces (knowing they were likely to die) and fought a brave fight.
I believe in peace, I would like a world without war and yet this is the world I live in, I look to my heavenly home for all encompassing peace. I am not convinced that we should have been involved all the wars we have. And yet, there is a reality that I live a safe and happy life here in Australia because brave men (and women) have served their country; have knowingly faced death and have effectively died for my freedom and that of my own family. Each of those numbers that we read in our history books; 30, 000 died at x - 27 died at y; they all had a mother and a father. They had wives and children, sisters and bothers. They had a local deli and several teachers.
Yes, I did take the chance for a sleep in today - and I did catch up with friends and family. I also gave time to a thought for those Australians who have fought and died for Australia for almost 100 years, and a prayer for future peace. And yes, I baked the ANZAC cookies pictured - crunchy on the left and chewy in the right - and as I did I thought of brave wives and mothers baking and filling tins to be sent to 'our boys' on the front.
9 comments:
Here here Julie I totally agree with everything that you have said.
Except that I didn't bake anzac cookies because I would have eaten them all myself.
effectively - that is a powerful word and encompass a great deal of what their actual sacrifice was...
Well said Julie. You explained Anzac day beautifully. Like you, I took time to reflect when I was out and about yesterday. Appreciative of those who went to war for us. For our freedom..
We live in a wonderful country and I am pleased I did not have to live through those times.
Mmmm...I love anazac biscuits. But like Doreen would have probably eaten too many if I had of baked some! Can almost smell them from here...
Great sentiments for a significant day in our history Julie.
Yes please to the Cookies!
Megan
Fabulous words Julie, we taped the movie about John Curtin on the ABC on Sunday night and watched it last night. It was very appropriate and made you realize the great difficulties faced by the politicians at the time, and how both political parties actually worked together for a change.
i made anzac cookies too!!!! :oD had some trouble flattening mine as it tended to crumble but mine baked slightly thicker..
i found it apalling that the 14 and 16 year old girls grafittied at the anzac day celebrations..
What a wonderful day to honor the protectors of your country. I have always appreciated Australia for standing with America to fight for freedom.
what a great sounding cookie "ANZAC".
Last summer whe went in north of France and in Belgium with DH. I was totally stunning by the australian, canadian, new zealand, american and english cimetaries of 1° world war. In south of France we haven't these. I was upset when I learnt that 1/5 of the Australian young men of period died in this part of Europe during this war. I made many photos and I would make a special post for ANZAC this year on my blog. I am 50 years old and I knew none of 2 great wars but I know that thanks to all these men come from the end of the world to sacrifice their life, today we are living in a free country.
http://mosaicsdephotos.canalblog.com
Post a Comment