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ANZAC Day, April 25, 2010
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The Battle of Gallipoli, April 25, 1915
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The Ode
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
Lest We Forget
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The anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I. The day our troops bravely went into battle at the Gallipoli Peninsula, only to lose to the equally brave Turkish Army who were fighting to protect their homes and family. Today we Australians and New Zealanders celebrate in remembrance of all who lost their lives in defense of their country. It is a day to recognize and remember not only those from the First World War.. but all the wars our brave young men and women fought in..
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I was going to tell you about my family members who served in the First and Second World War and how bagpipes, kettle drums and bugles playing the last Post factor into many of my happy and sad childhood memories. I was going to tell you about my own trip to Gallipoli and the many gravestones of boys as young as 17...
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But instead, as I was looking for a family photo to post, I found this one of a young soldier named Tom. He fought alongside my grandfather in the Salonican Army during the First World War. I don't know anything else about him. I don't know if he survived and lived a long and happy life, or whether he was lost in battle. All I know is he has such a handsome and gentle face that I found myself spending hours working at this photo to remove some of the creases and imperfections it has gained over the years. Still a bit more to go.. but with each and every crease I removed, I'd look up and his eyes would say thank you...
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... so I thought I'd post him instead ...
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.. A tribute to the Unknown Soldier..
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.. representing all those who bravely fought for their countries..
no matter which side of the trenches
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IMAGE SOURCE: .. the family library of [being ruby©]
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