What marvellous words you send to us over here.
Anzac Day in Sydney was great. Although I did not serve, many of my mates
from my Army Reserve days saw action in Vietnam. It was great to see them
again this year.
For those in the USA, Canada and England, as well as other countries, pleae
be assured and proud that each of your countries are always greatly
represented, and appreciated, in probably all Anzac Day marches in the
majority of Australian (and no doubt New Zealand) capital cities.
I did not know about the place of Waltzing Matilda being the official song
of the First Marine Division (U.S.). Perhaps you can let us know the
history of that status of one of our national songs.
On 1 July 1998 Australia held its inaugural Reserve Forces day, and there
was a gret turnout. It will become an annual event. A great sight was the
contingent of Yank reservists who were flown over here in a Galaxy to march
in Sydney, Brisbane and elsewhere. Their presence was warmly welcomed by
one and all.
As a bit of interest, I have provided the webpage of the Sydney Morning
Herald for Monday 26 April, the day after Anzac Day, for your perusal. I
have also provided a weblink to 1999 Anzac Day activities, history, etc.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/9904/26/index.html
http://www.acn.net.au/articles/1998/04/anzac.htm
At last count, there were 51 WWI (1914 - 1919) diggers still alive in
Australia.
Watching the recent news of the Nato 50th anniversary, I could not help
wonder if the vast majority of the world leaders were women, would there be
any better chance or reduction of all this killing in Europe, Indonesia, etc.
What ever happened to the "World to end all Wars" ?
LEST WE FORGET
*************
At 08:53 26/04/99 -0700, William R. Benson wrote:
>
>
>Apologies for the off topic message, but since we've got a sizable
>Aussie presence...
>
>ANZAC Day is Australia's and New Zealand's day. A day to remember those
>who went on before us. Probably a good day for those who remain to hug
>their kids and their wives, and then go out to some quiet place,
>seemingly by yourself, and speak to those whom nobody who "wasn't there"
>can see. Not a time when you need some brash Yank barging in on your
>reflections.
>On the day after however, please accept the good wishes from one "old
>soldier" (actually, a Marine, and not so old in body as in mind). In a
>world where "those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it", let me
>assure you, there are those of us who will never forget our "mates".
>Time and generations separate the present from the past, but the lessons
>and legends passed down through time are firmly in place, "Waltzing
>Matilda" is still the official song of the First Marine Division (U.S.),
>and that dang hat with the upturned brim still looks dashing as all get
>out.
>"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, for he who sheds his blood
>with me this day upon this field shall be my brother..."
>Well, ANZAC, and all who serve from 25 April '15 to this day...
>
>Semper Fi, mates, from your Yank brethren!
>
>Bill Benson
>Sgt. USMC (1984-1997)
>
>
>
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