ANZAC

The Ode

They shall not grow 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

Anzac Day has always been a revered day in Australia and New Zealand. It's a day when we remember the sacrificial blood shed by our soldiers in World War I at the landing of Gallipoli and the many other theatres of war all over the world since then.  
So many were our young men, some still in their late teens, some young married men with families and some battle hardened veterans. We also remember our brave doctors and nurses who were instrumental in saving many lives close to the battlefronts. All belonged to either the Australian Defence forces of Army, Navy, or Air Force. And so many were wounded both physically and mentally.

On April 25 ceremonies are held at previous battle arenas, besides  scores of dawn remembrance services held in capital cities all over Australia and New Zealand. Also, many smaller country towns remember their dead comrades-in-arms. And this year marked huge crowds turning out to honour the memories of their fathers, grandfathers, greatgrandfathers, uncles, brothers, sons and many of their womenfolk also. My own grandfather, father, and two uncles were in the Australian army and the air force.

Men willing to die for the cause of freedom and engage in the fight for right against evil inspires all of us. And as it has often been said, it's not to glorify war but to honour those who have given their lives in such a noble sacrifice. The Bible speaks of another who was willing to give his life in this way:

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love to us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us....For when we were God's enemies we were reconciled to Him though the death of His Son."  
 LEST WE FORGET