Good morning daily

[supersparky]

I reckon that we can only imagine what some of those blokes went through. Especially the ones that were POW's.
Luckily for all of us, we live in a free and democratic society and are able to make our own informed choice on how we live our own life.
Lest we forget.

[Newcastle George]

Yes Dave, Lest we forget that we live in a free and democratic society and are able to make our own informed choice on how we live our own life.

George

[supersparky]

What are you trying to say George?

[T1 Terry]

My father was rescued from three separate supply ships, torpedoed or bombed during the war. Being a British officer, it was stiff upper lip and all that, no recognition of PTSD back in those days ... if you were a front line soldier, it was called shell shock, but a clerk on a supply ship many levels below the water line, what action could they have seen
My one trip to the RSL after the dawn service and march that turned me off the whole thing, was drunken veterans rubbishing the allies like their contribution meant nothing and big brave talk about how many they had shot during the war ..... I later in life realised most of them were probably kitchen staff or never set foot close to any "action" ..... they are the only ones that seem to carry on like that, those that were really in the thick of it, never spoke about it, some things are better remained buried in the back of the mind and never allowed to surface.
My father chain smoked himself to death, never saw his 41st birthday, he didn't smoke before he was enlisted, never drank alcohol for the yrs I remember, mum told me once that she only ever remembered seeing him drunk on one occasion, the semi coherent ramblings were calling for mates to get up on deck, but apparently, they were already dead and he couldn't reconcile with the fact he survived three times, yet they didn't .....

Lest We Forget

T1 Terry

[native pepper]

Both my grandfathers served in WW1, one died in the early 1930's from the effects gas, chemicals and PSTD, he was on the Somme, Gallipoli throughout France and Germany. Got to read his war service history and was rather sdhocked at what he had experienced. My other grandfather served at Gallipoli was injured, then fought in WW2, in Italy, France, Al Alamein, Tobruk and PNG. He never went to and Anzac parade or the RSL and understand why, I avoided joining for decades, didn't want to know anything about it. However after settling down here, decided tgo join and become part of the community. Big mistake, went to 2 dawn services and local marches, but just couldn't handle what went on at the RSL afterwards and for the entire day for some. Never been back, not the only one in this district who feels the same.

As some one has mentioned, those attending and bragging about their active service, mostly turn out to be those who were behind the lines or in non action jobs. Those who had actually seen a good bit of action, want nothing to release those memories, they can be so devastating to ones mind you can end up chucking it all in.

I prefer to remember those who served with me and the hundreds of thousands who either sacrificed their lives, or became physical and or psychological wrecks, in how I run my life. I'm happy my family including me were prepared to volunteer to serve and protect what was once a magnificent wonderful, beautiful and safe country. It saddens me that the morons of the country have turned the remembrance of those sacrifices into a day. When we should thinking about what we've turned it into by our refusal to demand the policies which would retain us as a unique free country.

Went for a ride with a couple of blokes who served in the same campaigns as we did, we never talked about it once, just enjoyed each others company. No pubs clubs or grog, but they did consume a couple of scallop pies from the local bakery we stopped at for lunch and they smelt scrumptious. It's the company of those you have an affinity and understanding with, because of your similar experiences you can relate to, but not have to talk about it. That's can be very comforting, even if for just short time irregularly. I've found many who have had active service experience, tend to be a bit recluse and loners, can't think of one I know who isn't.

[supersparky]

Dunno about those scallop pies NP. I tried one when we were over at Strahan a few years ago. Not for me I'm afraid.
It's a bit difficult to deal with all the emotion on Anzac day.
I used to march with my dad and my grandad. But back then, it was dawn service then march, then go home or maybe to the footy in later years. I don't go to the gunfire brekky or anything really, on the day. Too many memories to deal with.
Now that most of the WW2 fellas are long gone, I go to dawn service then home. Been doing that for the past 20 years or so now.

[Dot]

And after all these years we have not learnt any lessons have we?

[Shirley]

My g’father fought in the Boer War, after came to NZ married my g’mother, they were on their way back to South Africa in Australia when World War1 commenced, he enlisted in 1916 & was killed in France 1917, unknown grave, he was 36 years old, Mum was only a baby when he left, so she never knew him, Nana was left with 3 children, she would rent a house & take in borders, doing their washing ironing & cooking for them, would also clean other houses during the day, there was no military pensions of any substance back in those days, she was a good woman & worked hard.
He was born in Glasgow Scotland.

[Greynomad]

One of my uncles enlisted in WW1. Sixteen years old, he put his age up & was accepted.
Declared MIA at Bullecourt. Never found his remains.
His name is inscribed on the Mennen Gate.
Dad was in a Reserved Occupation during WW2:
Leading Blast Furnace Hand at BHP Newcastle.
Didn’t stop him trying to enlist.
When the Sgt saw his employer’s name on the form he said, “Nice try, son, but you’re more valuable at work.”
He never missed a dawn service, to honour his brother’s memory.
I’ve followed his example — for the same reason.
Only two missed services: in hospital first time, recuperating this year. I don’t attend the gunfire breakfast or go to a pub after… straight home for a quiet day of thanks.

[BernieQ2]

Good morning everyone.
Quite Anzac day here.
Son arrived with his "new" friend...widower with two boys 12 and 9...and behaved
NP, she's from Tassie so can't be that bad A...
So it was a good day.
Keep safe.
Bernie.