Anzac Day

[Mom]

What does it mean for you?

Yes I know this has been done to death on here (so no smart arse repost comments please) there are new members that may not have had the opportunity to comment, and others on here that may like to share how they feel too.

I have just polished my cornet, and had a quick refresh of Last Post and Revellie before I go and play tomorrow at a service to commemorate Anzac day, and the men that lost their lives at Gallipolli. For me the day is more than that though, it gives me a chance to remember all our service personal that have lost their lives in the line of duty no matter where they served.

The Last Post is a powerful tune that can bring me to tears if I listen to it, I play it so I can make people cry. I will post the words to the tune later.

It is also a day off work. A time to breathe deeply and relax with our friends and family.

So what is ANZAC DAY for you?

[Laava]

Having been to Anzac Cove and met some local turks, getting both sides of the story; Anzac Day is a commemoration of how a few very stupid decisions can ruin many peoples lives with no gains and how grateful I am that our current govt refuses to ally themselves with the US oil protection war in Iraq. Not that I am anti fighting for your country but here is 2 good examples of how bad it can get with Anzac being close to the bone for most Kiwis

[kevfromcoro]

just think about my old man..he served in the army at this time.told me many stories...was away for 5 yrs.....must of been hard times ...good to see we have a day for these people who served our country.....

[Jantar]

I have many days that remind me of the sacrifice that our soldiers have made for our freedoms. Anzac day is the most important one, as it commemerates a battle that we lost, but in losing that battle we also lost the cream of an entire generation.

From that disaster, our country came back to be a great and respected country that has a reputation far outweighing our size. I was raised to have a feeling of pride in what our soldiers in all wars have done and the heroism they have shown.

It makes me realize how far our current government will go to change our perceptions and remove that same feeling of pride from today's young people.

I shall be attending the Anzac Parade tomorrow.

[MIXONE]

I've got an old brass trumpet that was given to me a few years ago when the Old Soldier who owned it died.I can't believe that nobody in his family realised what it is and what it represents.This horn had gone through Europe with him during WW2 and had played The Last Post for many an Old Soldier including my father in the years since.If there is ever a song that will bring me to tears you'll be playing it tomorrow.Big ups for remembering and caring.

[ynot slow]

Shit still remember the words from my scout days,sombre words.Lest we forget.We have a relatively free land because of guys giving the ultimate sacrifice.

Remember my mum saying as a girl when ww2 was on(born 1941),she said her family had 4 brothers(her uncles)fight in europe,4 came back in one piece,not sure emotionally.Then she said her friend had her dad and 2 uncles go to europe and none returned,very poingant and so bloody sad.Especially in a small Taranaki town,similar to all small towns.

[Terminated]

Thank you Mom for your post.

it gives me a chance to remember all our service personal that have lost their lives in the line of duty no matter where they served.

In remembering those that did not return, and those that did return and are no longer with us.

Grandfather - mother's side: Australian Army Gallipoli and France.
Grandfather - father's side: United States Navy
Uncle - mother's side WWII Australian Army Africa and New Guinea
Uncle - mother's side WWII Royal Australian Air Force South West Pacific
Uncle - mother's side Australian Army Korea
Father - United States Army WWII South West Pacific and Leyte Gulf
Father in Law - WWII Royal Navy
Me - Royal Australian Navy troop transport Vietnam

All posts this thread respectfully acknowledged.

We Will Remember Them.

Lest We Forget

[Mom]

I've got an old brass trumpet that was given to me a few years ago when the Old Soldier who owned it died.I can't believe that nobody in his family realised what it is and what it represents.This horn had gone through Europe with him during WW2 and had played The Last Post for many an Old Soldier including my father in the years since.If there is ever a song that will bring me to tears you'll be playing it tomorrow.Big ups for remembering and caring.

Wow! That is so amazing! Give it in trust to the muesum mate, it is so precious. I first played Last Post in public about 1974. I guess back then I really had no idea about what had happened at ANZAC Cove, I was a teenager after all.

I would love to play it on a bugle, that gives a much rounder sound, maybe one day!

The best thing about playing on ANZAC day for me is the after wards, having a few with the oldtimers and hearing their stories. Sadly there are fewer and fewer now to talk to. I have played for the past 8 or 9 years at the Leigh service ( I am fondly known as the Leigh Horn Blower ) It is sad to see the lovelies missing each year. I play at their funerals when asked.

[Mom]

Then she said her friend had her dad and 2 uncles go to europe and none returned,very poingant and so bloody sad.Especially in a small Taranaki town,similar to all small towns.

We have a small town close by that has a statue of King George as their war memorial. Vandals take great delight in decapitating the poor thing. It gets repaired and re-dedicated. I was privilleged to be asked to play at a re-dedication. I read the names on that memorial and felt so sad. It really did core out the community.

[Finn]

Being a stickler for detail, I've always thought it quite odd that people get up at the crack of dawn to remember the ANZACS when in fact, due to the time difference, it happened later in the afternoon.

It also means that for some reason I have to pay time and a half for staff that work on ANZAC day. This Government should treat our veterans better, not young people willing to work.

[Lucy]

I love hearing the bugle or cornet playing the Last Post, and the other poignant tunes, but Anzac day makes me angry for the useless waste of time and life that is War.

And the fact that people seem to go mental because they cannot shop before 1pm makes me sad too.

Sorry.

Lucy

[Marknz]

We Will Remember Them

[Pussy]

Just been to dawn service. Lest we forget...

[Nasty]

This day I remember those who have gone before and are now lost forever ... I remember that decisions made affect many ... and that life is not fair .. it never was ....

This day I take great faith in that we will have learnt from the decisions in the past .. and know how to apply those learnings to decisions in the future.

This day I take time to remember those who are now in uniform .. and may one day have to face the same.

[riffer]

Good service in Upper Hutt this morning. Lovely and warm weather which makes a change for sure. There would have to have been a good 10,000 people there and very good to see all the crowds gathered on the footpaths applauding the veterans and soldiers as we all marched past.

A good start to the day - and the fallen were well remembered. My kids' great-great-great uncle (Cyril Bassett) would have been proud of them.

Bacon, eggs and hash browns are cooking as I type.