ANZAC day
Today is 25th April, and in Australia it is ANZAC day.
ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Today is the day that we remember the brave soldiers who have fought for our freedom. We give thanks to those who survived and pray for the souls of those who did not.
ANZAC day always makes me cry. I can't imagine the horror of war - I'm so fortunate to have never had to fight in combat - and I am so grateful for the men and women who have put their lives on the line to fight.
I find it difficult to put into words the full spectrum of emotions that ANZAC day brings to the fore for me. I cry when they play the last post. I cry when they play revellie. I cry when I see old men cry because I can't even begin to imagine what they have seen or heard or smelt or tasted or felt that would make them cry, but in my heart I know that it must have been hell. In the true sense of the word.
I hope that the children of the future find a way to end war once and for all. Unfortunately, I don't think that human beings have that in their inherent nature. That makes me cry too.
Two good things about ANZAC day - Two-up, and ANZAC biscuits. I can't gamble at work, but I can eat ANZAC biscuits! And boy, have I eaten some ANZAC biscuits today.
I will try to find a recipe (they are simple), and will post it here for you to try. Well worth it. Also, if you are inspired enough to make the biscuits (or cookies if you prefer), have a look at a website or two about ANZAC day.
Have a great day.
4 Comments:
I choke up really quick when I see other people crying, especially if they're trying to talk but can't.
By kaylofgorons, Apr 25 06 1:42 PM
Well, I don't know if they qualify, but I'm eating cookies in the spirit of friendship for Australia. I'll eat biscuits, too, at dinner. :)
By kaylofgorons, Apr 25 06 4:45 PM
ANZAC day seems to be kind of what Memorial Day here in the US was originally intended to be, but it seems to be much more of a big deal, and much more the way it should be. I know what you're saying about how, although it would be great to end war for good, humans probably can't really do that. According to wikipedia's article on it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANZAC_Day), there's even a parade!
And I was wondering what "two-up" was- but according to that same article on wikipedia, it's traditional Australian gambling game called "two-up", which was an extremely popular pastime with ANZAC soldiers. The importance of this tradition is demonstrated by the fact that though most Australian states have laws forbidding gambling outside of designated licensed venues, on Anzac Day, it is legal to play "two-up". I don't care exactly how to play or anything, but it's interesting.
By luvtheheaven, Apr 25 06 5:39 PM
Hi! I have never heard of ANZAC day in the US. But is a great thing to have.
Like our veterans day.
I fully agree with you, about crying for the good people ANY COUNTRY loses, due to war.
We as haelthcare providers deal with heart attack deaths, accident deaths etc.
But losing your lifem, because we fight for our country that is really tough.
Especially with troops in iraq, right now, I think about, and pray for the troops, every day and night!
Steve
By iamemt7890, Feb 09 08 10:21 PM