Anzac Day. We shouldn't have to hide this year.

Well, Dawn service at Sandgate was special. I've never seen so many people, I don't think. A quiet understated service, the focus on those no longer here, no patriotic speeches, the park in darkness, just the Cenotaph lights lighting up the names of the fallen. And right at the end, the biggest mobs of parrots flew over, wheeling in the sky, calling to each other, happy in their celebration of life, it seemed. A perfect metaphor for the day. And on the way home, along the beachfront, the sun just rising above the horizon , I heard this song on the radio, by Eric Bogle. The gift of years, written about an old Gallipoli digger, who went back after 75 years to the grave of his old mate. Never heard it before, but it seemed like a perfect song for the moment. Some one is smiling down on me, I reckon.

The Gift of Years - YouTube

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Originally Posted by Old Farang

Heads up to anybody interested.

If I understood her correctly, on Anzac Day Landline is going to broadcast a segment about "Bill the Bastard" and the bronze statue in his honour now on display in Murrumburrah NSW.

I have recently read a book about him, and what he did in WW1.

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" Bill the Bastard ".

Meet 'Bill the Bastard', the unlikely war horse hero from the Battle of Romani (msn.com)

Lest we forget

Aboriginal soldiers

Aboriginal service during the First World War | Australian War Memorial

Indigenous defence service | Australian War Memorial

We're all in this together.

Say no to fascists

'Amen' to that!

https://www.facebook.com/LibraryArch...2680592542607/

Bob, you may have an F/A-18 overhead in an hour, or so.

My ride for the day 😁Attachment 170532

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Originally Posted by Saitch

Bob, you may have an F/A-18 overhead in an hour, or so.

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Well, two ex RAAFIE types I get up to no good with were excited about that, but when the FA18 flew over, we were in the Bar, and missed it. You get that. One of the fellows spent many years with the AFP, and tells a very good story. At home now waiting for the Grand Kids to come. LG.

Good crowd in Melbourne. Dawn service in the front yard to start the day properly. Kookaburra helped make it a great start to the day.

Two up games post march at Young and Jacksons was a hoot. My cashless card armed status saw me not loosing a cent[thumbsupbig]

A lost PTSD type POW/hostage from Afghanistan was drafted to the the NAVY section by me as he seemed to be getting trouble finding the rabble mix at the back. The March marshalls looked baffled what to do with him. Ring-ins fit with navy types [biggrin]

Feed at China town saw a few of us in the Exford hotel. Worth a look if your in Melbourne. The pressed tin roof and old school bits had me fitting in well.

This year I reflected on those who'd served and the fallen while on my driveway, and then on how I still fit into my army coat form 30+ years ago, only to then realise I'd removed the lining and I am sure I used to be able to wear it over a bush jacket, and jumper.

I did the same light a candle on the front gate and have a cuppa as the sun came up that I did last year. Used to go to the march with Granddad many years ago but sadly his time here has long past