Thread: Lest We Forget ANZAC Day

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Dear Australian media and the general public, it's time for an ANZAC Day education. Below is a list of things that current, and former members, of the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force would like to point out prior to ANZAC Day:

1. ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign of WWI. ANZAC is an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. It’s written as ANZAC, not Anzac.
2. Each year on the 25th of April we reflect on all Defence Force personnel, past and present, and the sacrifices they’ve made. It is a solemn day, treat it as such.
3. ANZAC Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during WWI.
4. Traditionally, Rosemary is worn on ANZAC Day. Rosemary is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula. That’s why it’s significant.
5. The RED Poppy symbolises peace, death and sleep of the fallen servicemen/woman. While the PURPLE Poppy represents remembrance of the animal victims of war. The ORANGE Poppy represents the acknowledgement of the Service families, and also acknowledges the families’ loss due to veteran suicide. The WHITE Poppy worn between 1918 - 1939 symbolises the wearers’ commitment to peace. Learn the difference!
6. We commemorate ANZAC Day, not celebrate it. It's not a bloody party.
7. At dawn on the 25th of April 1915, soldiers rowed ashore in boats called ‘lighters’ during the Gallipoli landings, under fire and without outboards motors.
8. It's a bugle, not a trumpet. The Last Post is sounded, not played. It's not a dance tune.
9. Not every serviceman/woman were 'soldiers'. Some were Sailors and Airmen. Please take the time to ascertain what Service they served in, and use the correct terminology. It means a hell of a lot to us!!!
10. They’re medals, not badges. They’re citations, not pins. Please learn the difference.
11. Medal recipients wear their medals on the left side of their chest covering their heart; family members/descendants wear the medals on the right side of their chest.
12. No, I am not wearing my father’s or grandfather’s medals, they are mine. I earned them during my Service.
13. Medals, ribbons and Unit Citations are EARNED, not WON. It's not a chook raffle. They are awarded to the recipient, not given to them.
14. Yes, I am allowed to wear my 'Return From Active Service' badge on any bloody day of the year that I choose to wear it. Get over it. And no, it’s not a bloody Medal.
15. Australian and New Zealand soldiers did not retreat from Gallipoli, they withdrew.
16. It really doesn't matter which side you wear your Poppy on, as long as it's worn with pride. Traditionally, men on the left breast and women on the right breast.
17. Please, don't try to draw comparisons between sports players and war veterans. I've never seen a sports player perform acts of heroism whilst under fire, to protect their fellow Service personnel, flag and Country.
18. ANZAC Day isn’t a day to go and watch, or play sport. Show some bloody respect to the brave men and women in uniform, past and present, who fought for the blanket of freedom that you currently sleep under.
19. Having a few drinks and playing ‘2 up’ is an ANZAC Day tradition. Getting **** faced, picking fights and acting like a bloody yobbo isn’t.
20. 'Lest We Forget' isn't a throwaway line, it actually has meaning: it's an expression of remembrance, par excellence. It has dignified origins, a rich history. Don’t misuse or disrespect it.
21. The 'Ode' comes from the poem "For the Fallen", written by Laurence Binyon. The verse, which is commonly known as 'The Ode Of Remembrance', is as follows:
"They shall grow not 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."
Lest We Forget

Something I came across that my Dad once shared; thought I would pass it along.....

Remember

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Joe has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Veteran died today

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Veteran died today .

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Veteran
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Veteran,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever-waffling stand?

Or would you want a Veteran
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Veteran,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Veteran,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Veteran's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A VETERAN DIED TODAY ."

PLEASE, If you are proud of our Veterans, then pass this on.