Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Lest We Forget

Today is Remembrance Day in Australia.

At 11 o'clock on the 11th day of the 11th month each year, we observe a minute's silence to remember those who fought, not only in the Great War, but those who also gave their time and many, their lives, in other conflicts around the world.


Remembrance Day was originally called Armistice Day and commemorated the end of the hostilities for the Great War and the signing of the armistice, which occurred on 11 November 1918.

We also observe ANZAC Day on August 25th each year. It's a public holiday and veterans, and in some cases, their descendants, march as a sign of respect and remembrance. Much like Veterans Day in the USA.

When I was young I used to think ANZAC Day was an attempt to glorify war and just an excuse for a lot of blokes to get together and get drunk. But as I got older, I changed my view and think of it as a day to reflect. I was a Girl Guide when I was younger and we always used to march in the local ANZAC Day Parade, along with all the veterans, my Dad included.

But it's Remembrance Day on November 11 that affects me most and brings a tear to my eye. It's a day that always makes me sad. Sad for innocent lives lost, families left without sons, fathers, uncles, brothers, futures never realised.

But that can be said about all wars can't it.

5 comments:

  1. It is indeed a day to reflect and remember those that died inorder to make the world a better place for us.

    I adore this quote:

    There is nothing that war has ever achieved that we could not better achieve without it. ~Havelock Ellis

    Leeann x

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  2. Remembrance day.... you are so right when you said it means more as we become older. The realisation that we can be so cruel yet we each have the capability to do so much good.

    Karen x

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  3. A wonderful tribute and honor.

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  4. Hi, Lesley,

    We are remembering here in the US today as well, Veterans Day. So important to honor those who help defend us against the bullies of this world.

    Teresa

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