Anzac Day - a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli Campaign in the Great War (1914 - 1918). The landing at Gallipoli occurred on April 25, 1915 with the aim to knock the Ottoman Turks out of the War.
The Gallipoli Campaign failed, but the 'ANZAC Legend' grew from the bravery and ferocity displayed in battle and their ingenuity in organizing the retreat. From this campaign the national identity of both countries grew.
The evacuation came toward the end of 1915 after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and great hardship. The Allied deaths totaled over 56000 including 8709 from Australian and 2721 from New Zealand.
I penned a song, 'Why Must He Fight?' This song is about a young soldier lying on the ground dying. His life flashes before his eyes, his childhood, his family and the times they played. The song includes the poignant lines, "He never had the chance in life to watch his own children play."
My grandfather lived to 91, he enjoyed seeing his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Not so his two teenage brothers lost at Gallipoli.
So many like them will never grow old, age shall never weary them. Such a waste.
WITS
I got it a little wrong last week thinking Wendy Tuckerman had to step down from her role on Council due to her election to State Parliament. Wendy can remain on Council but I wouldn't bet on her having a full involvement, clashes of dates are almost a guarantee.
One thing I didn't get wrong was the fact that anyone who has aspirations to run for Council, you need to begin building your profile now, and I mean, not just in the Boorowa area, but throughout the Hilltops region, your name, community involvement, views need to be known.
WITS
Council is responsible for putting up road signs, even signs like these:
"The first five days after the weekend are the hardest.
"The past, present and future walked into a bar. It was tense." (How's your grammar?)
"What happens if you get half scared to death twice?"
"Frog parking only - all others will be toad."
"I was addicted to the Hokey Pokey, but I turned myself around."
"Went to the Air and Space Museum but there was nothing there."
Everyone has little obsessions, but there is a solution. "Cure for an obsession: get another one."
Who the hell thinks these up?
WITS
We're all looking for bargains and this coming Saturday, April 27, provides us with two opportunities.
Saturday morning from 9am the monthly Rotary Markets are on in the Courthouse Park. Plenty of goodies plus barbecue.
Later that same day at 4pm, the Rye Park Soldiers Memorial Hall is the venue for the Annual Sale of Gifts. Bargains galore with a full array for sale. Stop over for dinner at about 5.45pm. There is a small charge.
If that's not enough, the Op Shop will be open with barrow loads of bargains.
WITS
Consider: it's been found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.
