LEST WE FORGET.
The ANZACS were brave and valiant soldiers. Anyone that has ever read about their heroics at Gallipoli will appreciate the extreme adversities under which they had to fight, and the sheer incompetence of the British high command that sent them there in the first place. Winston Churchill, who conceived of the plan, was literally run out of office (as 1st Lord of the Admiralty) because of the debacle and did not have any serious role in the British government again until he became Prime Minister in 1940, just as Hitler was launching his blitz.
Amen from across the Tasman. I went to this morning's dawn ceremony at the Auckland Domain and of the 5,000 people who braved the bitter coldness (autumn snap cold) it looked like I was the only non-European/Maori face. The service was good although I noticed most of the crowds never bothered even singing the national anthem!
Bee Gees!? I hope they didn't play Stayin Alive.
CARVED STONE WALL OF ANZAC
Those heroes that shed their blood
And lost their lives...
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore, rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies
And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side,
Here in this country of ours.
You, the mothers,
Who sent their sons from far away countries...
Wipe away your tears.
Your sons are now lying in our bosom
And are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land, they have
Become our sons as well.
M. KEMAL ATATURK, 1934