ANZAC Day
April 25th, 2008 Posted in Personal
Today, as every year, was ANZAC day. You can read about ANZAC day here, but suffice it to say, it is a memorial day in Australia and New Zealand (ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps). In particular, we remember the day that the ANZACs landed in Gallipoli, in Turkey, during WW1. Many men died in that struggle, on both sides.
It has since grown into a memorial of ANZACs throughout the ages– old through new (young?)– and is quite the patriotic day, at least it is in Oz. A Kiwi friend of mine is always quick to wish the ANZAC happiness on 25 April, so I’m pretty sure the sentiments are the same for the kinderland (hehe).
One of the best things about ANZAC day, are ANZAC biscuits (see pic- I never knew it, but it is actually a big no-no to refer to them as ANZAC cookies!)… These things are tops and ace. Wikipedia mentions that stories regarding the origins of the bikkies are numerous, but the truth is, most of them agree that they were eaten by our soldiers when they were defending our country(/ies). It’s actually an interesting read, if you’re interested in the origins of biscuits…
Today, my wife and I did something I’ve been meaning to do for some time– that is, we went to the dawn service held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. It was a cool (referring to temperature), peaceful morning, punctuated by poems and various moving musical compositions. Quite an experience, and something I think every Aussie should do at least once.
We also popped down to the local RSL, and found that local veterans held their own service and parade, something I am keen to check out in future years. And we drank some beer, which was an added bonus, and something I like to investigate with regularity. The results of my findings will be released soon.
As a side note- like many Australian’s, my grandfather fought in WW2– he served in Darwin. Unfortunatley for me, as my granddad lived out in the country, I never got to hear som many tales about his experiences, and I never really knew what kind of a soldier he may have been. I have seen his medals (I think… memory not so good these days), and we have still got his hat… but he passed away a few years ago, so this is an aspect of his life I will never know. Sad. My other grandfather served in the Maltese Army, and has provided a bounty of stories…
Overall, an enjoyable day of respect for those who died to protect what we have and who we are, finished off by a kick-ass BBQ and beer.
Lest we forget.
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