I just finished reading a book called Over the Top, by HG Harnett, totally transformed my understanding of the first world war and the way it was fought. I have always had a great place in my heart for Anzac day since I did the flag work in Geelong West as a Scout for the Anzac Day ceremony, I still spark up to reveille when I had to raise the flag from half mast.
These days my son is in the Army Reserve following his gap year in the Army, put some polish on an all round good kid.
Just read this its quite apt I think:
The Silence
This is indeed a false, false night;
There’s not a soldier sleeps,
But like a ghost stands to his post,
While Death through the long sap creeps.
There’s an eerie filmy spell o’er all —
A murmur from the sea;
And not a sound on the hills around —
Say, what will the silence be?
R. J. GODFREY, GALLIPOLI
When the famous line is spoken tomorrow .... they will not grow old as we grow old..... I shed a tear, not only for those who have given their lives for our country, but for my two eldest who lost their lives seven years ago, they shall not grow old either .... Like those who lost loved ones for the greater good IT HURTS!!! Lest we forget.