Lest we forget

[Pussy]

My respect and thanks to the ANZACs.
We will remember them

[Goblin]

..........

[98tls]

..............

[2wheeldrifter]

... Amen ....

[Kiwi Graham]

.....................

[Fatt Max]

.............................

[shafty]

Yes, we do Remember them.............................................. .........................


RESPECT

[Gone Burger]

My respect and thanks to the ANZACs.
We will remember them

I am ashamed to say, that I have not attended a dawn parade, until today. And this morning made me so incredibly proud to be a New Zealander. Had very wet eyes after the service and felt so proud of the men and women marching in the parade.

Lest we forgot

[Genie]

I haven't taken much interest in ANZAC since my days of Girl Guides....during the last week I have been at school remembering with the young ones, it really causes one to stop and appreciate just how big a sacrifice those wonderful men and women made for our lives.

What causes me concern today is that as we remember the past we need also to look at today and where some of our soldiers are, God Bless them and keep them safe.

[Pussy]

I am ashamed to say, that I have not attended a dawn parade, until today. And this morning made me so incredibly proud to be a New Zealander. Had very wet eyes after the service and felt so proud of the men and women marching in the parade.

Lest we forgot
Better late than never... good on you. You'll be there next year.
A poignant morning for me... my first ANZAC day since my Dad (K Force) passed away. I have had a tradition of phoning him on my return from the dawn service. Mum got the call.
A good turn out at the NP cenotaph

[Fatt Max]

I am ashamed to say, that I have not attended a dawn parade, until today. And this morning made me so incredibly proud to be a New Zealander. Had very wet eyes after the service and felt so proud of the men and women marching in the parade.

Lest we forgot

I know that feeling mate,

I have been in NZ for 12 years and attended my first dawn parade last year. It really is a moving experience.

We all bang on about how hard life can be especially as young 'uns. You see these late teen / early 20 YO's around town, especially in the corporate environment, basically wanting everything on a plate and prepared to kick the shite out of anyone to get it (not physically of course, they have no balls) I'm talking about the sorts who think The Apprentice is their goal in life.

Then you look at the dawn parade and the guys there who, rather than dodge questions in the boardroom, were dodging fucking bullets at that age so these go getters of today have the freedom to fuck people over.

I know times and society has changed but you have to give these guys who made so many sacrifices for us the respect they are due.

Good on you for sharing that emotion, it hit me the same way. Made me proud to be English and proude to be living here

[gijoe1313]

Lest we forget .......... dulce est decorum pro patria mori, Wilfred Owen's ironic line from his poem. Respect to those who gave up so much in those dark times.

[kevfromcoro]

We are a few hrs behind over here.
Just watched the Dawn Parade on TV..
Touching experiance.
My dad served in the armed forces..
He was a disbatch rider on a BSA 250.
Told me some storries.. 5 years in the desert...
Lest we forget............................................ .................................................. .....................................

[Mom]

I have attended an ANZAC Service every year since I was 7 or so. These days I attend a very special community service in Leigh at the cemetry and War Memorial. I play the Last Post. It is just a little something I can do to make old men cry. Well, it is not just the old men actually. I cant listen to it at all while I play or else I get overwhelmed too. It really is an honour to do it. I get asked to play at funeral services too for my old mates, very humbling.

[Woodman]

Didn't go this morning,..... um too early, raining.

Very bad excuses considering the fact me great grandad had no choice at all at Passchendale. He is still there.

i feel guilty now.

[Gone Burger]

I know that feeling mate,

I have been in NZ for 12 years and attended my first dawn parade last year. It really is a moving experience.

We all bang on about how hard life can be especially as young 'uns. You see these late teen / early 20 YO's around town, especially in the corporate environment, basically wanting everything on a plate and prepared to kick the shite out of anyone to get it (not physically of course, they have no balls) I'm talking about the sorts who think The Apprentice is their goal in life.

Then you look at the dawn parade and the guys there who, rather than dodge questions in the boardroom, were dodging fucking bullets at that age so these go getters of today have the freedom to fuck people over.

I know times and society has changed but you have to give these guys who made so many sacrifices for us the respect they are due.

Good on you for sharing that emotion, it hit me the same way. Made me proud to be English and proude to be living here

Very well said Max. I myself am only mid 20's and just wish I had understood the importance of this sooner. I had many oppertunities as a younger girl to get up and support, watch my grandfather march in the Auckland service with his medals, and I never took it up. Will never stop regretting that. He was my absolute hero in disguise, and I am thankful that I told him just that on many occasions. But yes, I will be there next year, and every year for many years to come to continue to show this respect for all of the men and women involed.

I am just rather saddened by the thought that in 10 or so years time, we many not have any Vets still living, and that generation and what they believed in, will never be replaced.

[Fatt Max]

Very well said Max. I myself am only mid 20's and just wish I had understood the importance of this sooner. I had many oppertunities as a younger girl to get up and support, watch my grandfather march in the Auckland service with his medals, and I never took it up. Will never stop regretting that. He was my absolute hero in disguise, and I am thankful that I told him just that on many occasions. But yes, I will be there next year, and every year for many years to come to continue to show this respect for all of the men and women involed.

I am just rather saddened by the thought that in 10 or so years time, we many not have any Vets still living, and that generation and what they believed in, will never be replaced.

You told him he was your hero and that is the important thing mate. I never got the chance as I never met my mothers father and my grandfather on my dads side passed away when I was very young. Never regret this stuff, just remember, thats the main thing.

My rant about 20 somethings is aimed at those greedy little pigs in the corporate world. Those pigs are the sort that run DHB budgets and cut the services to our older generation to save a few bucks. The sort of piggies who pissed peoples life savings up the wall and landed all of us in the shit, especially those who fought for their country all those years ago. Those bastards that treat our old as if they were children, simply no respect. All they respect is the $. Well, noone is going to wake at dawn to remember those bastards....

Nice on Katiepie, great post and thanks for sharing........

Love the 'pie' bit as well

[mashman]

My Grandad married my Grandma just before he went away. She was illigitimate, his family were known in the community... kinda shattered a lot of peoples illusions... he returned and they never left each others sides again... he never left me with a dry eye, through tale or jest... stunning man, my wife ADORED him...but he never went to any rememberance... always felt it was just left, were it was, as a bad memory...

Lest we forget

[Bass]

I have attended an ANZAC Service every year since I was 7 or so. These days I attend a very special community service in Leigh at the cemetry and War Memorial. I play the Last Post. It is just a little something I can do to make old men cry. Well, it is not just the old men actually. I cant listen to it at all while I play or else I get overwhelmed too. It really is an honour to do it. I get asked to play at funeral services too for my old mates, very humbling.

Ann, that's awesome.
You really are full of surprises, aren't you?

[=cJ=]

Bloody last post, gets me every time :weep:

[Fatt Max]

Ann, that's awsome.
You really are full of surprises, aren't you?

Amazing.......real legend

[scissorhands]

I wish my country had sent me off to a war, especially with bright generals for leaders. Not! Imagine someone like General Nick Smith calling the shots.

Maximum respect for our men and women who gave their lives, gave all they had for their country.

[ynot slow]

My mums uncle is 90yrs and still spritely,he is in the RSA and held many posts,he is the last of her dads brothers from Manaia,a shame people didn't talk about there experiences til later in life,rather than glorify the war,it shows our respect for their efforts.

Watched an item on maori tv this morning about college students heading to France etc,they researched old boys who went to war,found their graves and placed memorials on them,the families talking about their uncles,fathers etc was poignant to say the least,bloody good doco.

And to think some people are pissed at not being able to shop till 1.00pm,ffs get a life.

[oldrider]

My respect and thanks to the ANZACs.
We will remember them

Ditto.

They also serve, who stand and wait!.......Winston Churchill. :mellow:

Lest we forget! :shifty:

[Fatt Max]

Just been to the 11am service in Howick at Stockade Hill.

So many people there with kids enjoying the sunshine and just giving up some of their time to remember those that sacrified so much for us.

Watching the vets march proudly in line and perfect formation to the top of the hill was inspiring. They were dignified and proud but you could see tinges of sadness in their eyes, no doubt thinking of their old mates who never came back.

Got a lump in my throat as the crowd clapped these guys in, a great tribute. So funny that the clapping stopped very abruptly when that facking Pansy Wong walked past with a smile on her face like she was on an election campaign. Once she and her cronies had gone past, the applause started up again. I personally was happy that she got tossed a blank as I delivered a lump of coal to her last November. Always make a point of slowing down past her office on Chapel road and give it the fingers. I'm not pro or anti any political party, but she has her own agenda and it stinks, what the fuck was she trying to do today other than make her own statement.

Phew, rant over on that one. Once again, a very moving ceremony and tribute. I know I have posted a fair bit up here about this but I feel strongly about remembering all those who fought for us to have a better life. Even now, there are servicemen taking bullets somewhere in the world with friends and family waiting for them back home. Get home safley guys and gals, just get home to those that love you.

May we never have to make that sacrifice people. Love life, live life and be happy for the life you have.

[robinm]

On a sad note, what a terrible day for this to happen. oh and an update to the news article, the 4th man died in hospital.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3620627/Anzac-Day-chopper-crash-kills-three

[yungatart]

A few of us from the BFTP rally in HB attended the 9.30 service at Maraekakaho.
Unfortunately the "big tough biker girls" let the side down badly with tears during The Last Post...

We will remember them

[LBD]

We are just about to head off to the 10am dawn parade in Kyrgyzstan. There will be 2 Kiwis and 7 Aussies in attendance.....we have both flags, a tin of ANZAC cookies, Vegemite and Golden syrup on hand for breakfast afterwards.......

[kevfromcoro]

we are just about to head off to the 10am dawn parade in kyrgyzstan. There will be 2 kiwis and 7 aussies in attendance.....we have both flags, a tin of anzac cookies, vegemite and golden syrup on hand for breakfast afterwards.......

onya......

[Mom]

A few of us from the BFTP rally in HB attended the 9.30 service at Maraekakaho.
Unfortunately the "big tough biker girls" let the side down badly with tears during The Last Post...

We will remember them

Big turn out at Leigh this year. Biggest I have ever seen. Sadly a few missing, but so lovely to see the ones we still have with us. We still have one WW2 vet. I saw a few wet eyes. Best thing I saw though were the kids.

[MIXONE]

Hearing the Last Post played always sends a shiver up my spine.
Lest We Forget.

[Mom]

Last Post is actually called the Retreat, it was played to call soldiers back to base at the end of the day. It has words believe it or not. I will go and find them.

[doc]

I thought the last one of the day was "Tattoo" ? :blink:

[ynot slow]

Main jist of Last Post to me is the words "Lest we forget"can remember that from scouts lol,but even as a 10yr old walking beside the old guys was great,shame 35yrs later they aren't around in numbers.Had a talk to an old guy quietly when having chemo,he had sense of humour second to none,reckoned the gerry's couldn't get him"fucked if chemo will,bastard cancer",he never shed a tear at anzac(and didn't go till much later)but opening survivors lap for relay for life he told me that was more humbling than anzac parades.When I said we can't comprehend the shit they went through he shook my hand and said he wished all young uns would listen(was good to be thought of young at 42),hes still active 6 yrs later and in his late 80's.

[diggyduo]

On a sad note, what a terrible day for this to happen. oh and an update to the news article, the 4th man died in hospital.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3620627/Anzac-Day-chopper-crash-kills-three

Yes, this really is horrible news on such a poignant day. And it happened enroute to an ANZAC flypast. Very sad indeed.

[Mom]

I thought the last one of the day was "Tattoo" ? :blink:

I had a hunt and you are right, my written music calls it Tattoo, but I have always heard it referred to as The Retreat. It was played at 10pm to call soldiers back to the barracks.


he never shed a tear at anzac(and didn't go till much later)but opening survivors lap for relay for life he told me that was more humbling than anzac parades

And that sums up the attitude of that generation of men really.

Here are the words for Last Post

Come home
Come home
The last post is sounding for you to hear
All good soldiers know very well there is nothing to fear
While what they do is right, and forget, all the worries the have met, in their duties through the year
A soldier can not always be great
But he can be a gentle man and he can be a right good pal
To his comrades in his squad
So all you soldiers listen to this
Deal fair by all and you'll never be amiss
Be Brave
Be Brave
Be honest and true men.

[doc]

One of the current myths is that the "Last post" was born from the American civil war. In the darkness the cries of a wounded soldier could be heard , an officer crawled out into nomans land and dragged the wounded man back to his lines under fire from both sides. When he got back to his lines the man was dead and he saw under the light that is was his son. He wrote a poem which was used to create the "Last Post". Bit of useless information but it is what Anzac day is all about.

[scumdog]

Straight there at 6:30 after finishig work at 5:30, well worth the effort.

And the rum/tea at the RSA afterwards was good to.

Good on those old bastards who fought for our rights.

(That fuckwits now take advantage of and abuse)

[Crasherfromwayback]

My respect and thanks to the ANZACs.
We will remember them

Nice one mate. How could we ever forget them. Brave doesn't even begin to describe them.

[98tls]

Attended the 6oclock service here,not a bad turnout but like every year i wonder at peoples apathy,they gave so much yet many cant bother with getting outta bed to show there respect.

[nudemetalz]

My respect and thanks to the ANZACs.
We will remember them
...We will remember them....

[Maha]

On a sad note, what a terrible day for this to happen. oh and an update to the news article, the 4th man died in hospital.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3620627/Anzac-Day-chopper-crash-kills-three

6pm News....hes still alive.

[Robert Taylor]

I know that feeling mate,

I have been in NZ for 12 years and attended my first dawn parade last year. It really is a moving experience.

We all bang on about how hard life can be especially as young 'uns. You see these late teen / early 20 YO's around town, especially in the corporate environment, basically wanting everything on a plate and prepared to kick the shite out of anyone to get it (not physically of course, they have no balls) I'm talking about the sorts who think The Apprentice is their goal in life.

Then you look at the dawn parade and the guys there who, rather than dodge questions in the boardroom, were dodging fucking bullets at that age so these go getters of today have the freedom to fuck people over.

I know times and society has changed but you have to give these guys who made so many sacrifices for us the respect they are due.

Good on you for sharing that emotion, it hit me the same way. Made me proud to be English and proude to be living here

Heck you nailed that in one. I am also proud of my English heritage. My grandfather was English and fought at the Somme, his brother fought at Gallipoli. My father was in the RNZAF WW2 and was seconded to the RAF, radar technician and commissioned.
But I also have a bit of a cynical view of the English at times. I can remember going through immigration at Heathrow a couple of years or so back and being in a slow moving line of ''aliens''. Im watching the fast track EU line inclusive of Germans getting through rather quickly. And Im thinking hang on, weve helped you English out in a couple of world wars and we had the highest attrition rate per capita of any allied trops in our service to King and commonwealth. And in my opinion our greatest war hero was not Freyberg ( he was a failure ) but Sir Keith Park who made all the calls about where the RAF was to respond to the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. And in recognition of all that we get treated like lepers....But dont get me wrong, we need more English immigrants in preference to those that are abusing the system.

[nana_mac]

I attended the Tinui service today with my Air Scout Group and was given the privilage of carrying the group flag with two Venturers carrying the Cub and Venture Flag. It was so touching to see these young people taking part,they did their scout group proud with their smartness of ther uniforms. I was thrilled to be able to have my grandson with me and show him a photo of his great great uncle to which he bears the same name. A great turn out for the first memorial ever celebrated in NZ.
A sad day with the loss of four Air force personal of which they were comming to Tinui after Wellington. A great day with very warm weather.

We will remember them.

[FJRider]

In Alexandra, The Lament is played on the Bagpipes as the wreaths are laid ... its often played at military funerals.

Too many of those I have attended.

It ALWAYS brings a tear to my eye.

[Boob Johnson]

I have attended an ANZAC Service every year since I was 7 or so. These days I attend a very special community service in Leigh at the cemetry and War Memorial. I play the Last Post. It is just a little something I can do to make old men cry. Well, it is not just the old men actually. I cant listen to it at all while I play or else I get overwhelmed too. It really is an honour to do it. I get asked to play at funeral services too for my old mates, very humbling.
That's awesome Mom. We had someone come play the last post at my Grandads funeral last year, real tear jerker! He landed at Utah beach on D-Day.


Lest we forget!

[oldrider]

Heck you nailed that in one. I am also proud of my English heritage. My grandfather was English and fought at the Somme, his brother fought at Gallipoli. My father was in the RNZAF WW2 and was seconded to the RAF, radar technician and commissioned.
But I also have a bit of a cynical view of the English at times. I can remember going through immigration at Heathrow a couple of years or so back and being in a slow moving line of ''aliens''. Im watching the fast track EU line inclusive of Germans getting through rather quickly. And Im thinking hang on, weve helped you English out in a couple of world wars and we had the highest attrition rate per capita of any allied trops in our service to King and commonwealth. And in my opinion our greatest war hero was not Freyberg ( he was a failure ) but Sir Keith Park who made all the calls about where the RAF was to respond to the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. And in recognition of all that we get treated like lepers....But dont get me wrong, we need more English immigrants in preference to those that are abusing the system.

That same thing happened to my last remaining maternal Uncle and his English wife!

They both served in the RAF/RNZAF in the battle of Britain and when they went "home" for their last visit to relatives in UK. (both in their 80's)

They were treated so badly, entering the country, that they turned around and flew back home!

They were very disappointed and badly shaken up by the time they got back here. :mellow:

[crazyhorse]

Lest we forget........ I have attended a few over the years, but if I do not make it then I enjoy watching it on TV. mostly through sky as I enjoy how it is done in Australia and here.

Such a shame about the accident...... now that will be on our minds too each ANZAC day. RIP

[Grubber]

What a great thread. Bringing every one back to earth.
My Dad was in Guadacanal with the infantry. It wasn't until his last years he finally spoke of the shit they went through.
I now have no right to say i have had a bad day.
Nothing we shall do in our lives as civiliians, with very few exceptions, will even be remotely close to the shite they endured to give us our freedom.
Lest we Forget....

[nudemetalz]

It just never stops :(
A soldier killed today on a motorcycle near Linton.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3622771/Soldier-killed-near-Linton-military-camp

[kevfromcoro]

It just never stops :(
A soldier killed today on a motorcycle near Linton.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3622771/Soldier-killed-near-Linton-military-camp

Christ.. thats no good.
4 military people killed over this weekend......
Sad.......................................

[gijoe1313]

When I was in uni a long time ago, did a research report about the lives of people during those torrid days. The stories that were shared with me I have always remembered, plus the fact they were so opened about it. Our family has a very good relationship with the local RSA and I was able to draw upon them for their experiences.

Some were so hair raising, I wondered how they could bear to repeat them again. From serving soldiers to nurses, I learned a little of what they went through. They were certainly made of sterner stuff back then.

[Toaster]

I have attended an ANZAC Service every year since I was 7 or so.

So you have been 19 times Anne? Nice!

[Mom]

So you have been 19 times Anne? Nice!

You need glasses :yes:

About 19 times plus a couple of 10s of years and a few after that more like it :lol:

[Bald Eagle]

What a great thread. Bringing every one back to earth.
My Dad was in Guadacanal with the infantry. It wasn't until his last years he finally spoke of the shit they went through.
I now have no right to say i have had a bad day.
Nothing we shall do in our lives as civiliians, with very few exceptions, will even be remotely close to the shite they endured to give us our freedom.
Lest we Forget....

Inadequate bling awarded