Lest We Forget.

April 25. Anzac Day.

The day Australia stops to say thank you to those who fought for our country.
Thank you to those who went, even though they were so young, often teenagers, when they went to war, for Australia.
Thank you to those who are currently fighting for our country.
Thank you to those who left their families to look out for Australia.
Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and died fighting for the freedom that we often take for granted.

Whether or not you agree with war (any in particular, or in general), or with the invasion of certain countries, you can't deny that the reason you have that freedom to have and voice your opinion is because of the people who protect, and fight for, this great country. We're so lucky that we are able to voice an opinion, and know that we won't get executed, or put in prision, just for having an opinion. We're lucky to live in a democracy, where we can speak up if something isn't right. We might not be able to change it, but we can try. And it won't cost lives to try.

I know a lot of older people say that younger people have no respect. For them, for what they fought for, for what they did. But more and more of the younger generation are going to Anzac Day services, more and more are marching with pride in place of grandparents who have passed on, more and more are keeping the Anzac tradition alive. My generation is the future of the Anzac tradition. Personally, I never really "got it" - until the last few years, when I realised all that has been sacrificed. I believe that the younger generation who are going to Gallipoli, who are taking part in marches, who are carrying on the Anzac tradition, will make sure it never dies out.

To me, Anzac Day has always been largely about the football. Collingwood v. Essendon. MCG. Sell out crowd. The Last Post played before the bounce. National anthem sung. It's always a ripper of a game.

Today, was no different. It was a great game. Essendon supporters probably wouldn't say that, though :-) The first quarter was close, made it look like we were in for a good game, but then the Pies ran away with it :-) Anyway, I'll do a post on the footy a little later.

Ok, I'm going to leave you with The Ode, that's always read out before the Last Post is played.

I'm out :-)

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.