What does ANZAC day mean to me?

I got asked today what Anzac day means to me... I know that for many, it is just another day... a public holiday and a day to drink...

for me.. it is so much more...

Anzac day has always been VERY significant in my life. My father was serving in the army through the second world war and only his appendix played up as he was boarding a ship (and they burst a short while after) he would have been taken a POW on the burmese boarder. His cousin was one of his unit and was one of the very few who ever made it home again, very malnourished and mistreated.. and totally unreckonizable.

It really brings home the cold truth of war when i realise how very lucky my dad was not to be there.. and how lucky (depending on how you look) that my dads cousin came home. If things had been different, i would not be here..

My father was taken from me 15 years ago and up til that point i ventured out to many dawn services with him.. Took part in the parades with him, marching along side him and all his mates and hung out with some of his old mates before they headed off to the RSL for their lunch. It was very much HIS DAY. The day that he looked forward to all year. For years, men from his unit, both that went OS and those who stayed behind got together.. for that one day... Marched together... remembered together. Sadly, last time i was home and spoke to one of the guys, there were very few of them remaining.

Because my father was deeply appart of the RSL and all they did, and i have so many wonderful memories, hearing the bugles now on ANZAC morning.. really rips at my heart. I dont go to the dawn services any more if Matt does not have a duty .. simply because it is "easier"...

The dawn service in 1994, 7 months after he died, I was lucky enough that we lived at the base where dad had been based throughout the war. His name was read from the Honour Roll and guns fired in his honour.

When i can, i love to go to one of the big city parades to watch the parade.. and see the men who still carry the flags of their unit, weather they are able to do it on their own, or be driven.. it makes me so very proud.. to see that proud, undefeated glint in such old eyes.
One day, i plan to walk along side them in honour of my father.

For those men and women who somewhere, today, fight for the freedom that we are accustom... you are in my thoughts..

For those who did not survive the battle they faced bravely.. You are a true hero and will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you.


LEST WE FORGET.