Lest We Forget

[ Lest We Forget - Wood Engraving by David Frazer, 2007]

Tomorrow is a particularly solemn and important day for Australians and New Zealanders; ANZAC Day. Much like Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day was initially a commemoration of the loss and tragedy of those who fought and fell in World War I. April 25 marks the landing of the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) onto the beaches of Gallipoli, Turkey. The campaign was a resounding failure, the death toll was high, and the ANZAC spirit became one of legend and national identity.

The commemoration has since evolved to include all who have fallen and suffered as a result of war, whether from World War I or II, the Korean or Vietnam wars, or the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Red poppies are also increasingly being used in ANZAC day processions, in addition to their traditional association with Remembrance Day.

Tomorrow is a day when political agendas are put aside and we simply remember the sacrifice of all those we have lost, and those who have returned, changed and scarred.
The ANZAC Dedication: For the Fallen
By Laurence Binyon


They shall not grow 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.



We will remember them.

7 comments:

muthu said...

the flowers are lovely and the snaps are too good..... you took them ??

its in not making the same mistakes that our ancestors did, we pay homage to them.... muthu

how s that 4 a quote...

Renee said...

I will remember them. My father fought in world war II. He is dead now, and I will never forget him.

This was a heart stirring post for me.

Thank you.

Renee xoxo

Laura said...

Unbelievable photos and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing this!

Laura

Ms Unreliable said...

muthu - Very wise, and I agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately history does have a tendency to repeat itself! The photos are not my own, the original sources can be found by clicking on the images.

Renee - Thank you for sharing Renee. I'm the granddaughter of two WWII soldiers, and although both came back from the war, they were irrevocably changed. They're both gone now, and I will always remember them, but especially on days like today.

Laura - Thank you, it's not the usual lighthearted note I like to end the week with, but it's important to my family and I, and of course many others who have been affected.

Jade said...

What a beautiful rememberance post.

Inday said...

How sweet of you to post the most solemn day of Australia and New Zealand. Thank you very much.

Icy said...

We will remember them,
Lest we forget.