So how many of you bothered to get up and honour the ANZACs this morning?

[98tls]

Yeah...rotten bastards for wanting to kill so many of their soldiers eh?

Although having read differing accounts, a large amount has been slung around about ignorant commanding officers. While some of the muck should stick, some should not.

And, all joking aside, how should such a time...neigh, such a forum abound with such resentment. Boo hiss.

Theres many accounts been written on the British attitude to soldiers from the colonies and on such a day in such a thread it seems appropriate,ive sat in the odd RSA on Anzac day over the years and listened to a few of them talk of it.

[Babelfish]

I shall not go again and will find my own way to pay my respects to those brave and unselfish men who's lives were lost.

Here,here.

[Babelfish]

Theres many accounts been written on the British attitude to soldiers from the colonies and on such a day in such a thread it seems appropriate,ive sat in the odd RSA on Anzac day over the years and listened to a few of them talk of it.

I've sat in a few smoko rooms and listened to how much the boss is a wanker too.

You're right of course....and wrong. Without understanding the ultimate strategy of historical moments, nor putting yourself in the position of, say, a 1916 soldier in the Somme, it's hard to take a harsh line against an entire race.

Were there blunders? Of course. Where there moments of utter stupidity? Of course. And there continues to be so. That's war...fucker isn't it.

[Grub]

A shame all the freedom saved is being wasted on the present generation (and others) .

Hmmm, not sure about that either. I have lived in a generation without war involving this country and its people. In part I believe that is as a result of lessons learned and the sacrifices made in WWI and WWII. It's a good reason to participate and honour them.

Yes we have officially participated in Korea and Vietnam and unofficially I'm sure that Afghanistan and Iraq have seen SAS actions but we have largely learned to stay away from other people's skirmishes, we have learned that the cost is too high.

[Slingshot]

A shame all the freedom saved is being wasted on the present generation (and others) who take it for granted....those who made the sacrifice will be spinning in their graves.

Thank you oh master of all things for telling us all (we're all the "present" generation) that we're wasting our freedom. Do tell us how we should be using our freedom oh mighty one.
***Why isn't there a "You're a COCK" smiley?***

Commercialism may be there for those who seek it out. But by far the vast majority of attendees at the Dawn Services take no part in any commercial activity. As it should be.

If you want to see commercialism on ANZAC day, then look no further than the Turks at ANZAC cove.

[Disco Dan]

Was there something on today?

I just thought it was a public holiday that if worked gave me time and a half?

[98tls]

Thank you oh master of all things for telling us all (we're all the "present" generation) that we're wasting our freedom. Do tell us how we should be using our freedom oh mighty one.
***Why isn't there a "You're a COCK" smiley?***

Buy a paper or watch the news on any given day and you may understand what he means.

[Babelfish]

I'd agree with Slingshot...its a cocky comment encompassing too many people. Today is a day of self reflection, not flaming people because they seem to be wasting your own values.

And seriously, why isn't there a "You're a cock" smiley

[98tls]

I'd agree with Slingshot...its a cocky comment encompassing too many people. Today is a day of self reflection, not flaming people because they seem to be wasting your own values.

And seriously, why isn't there a "You're a cock" smiley

Actually today has nothing to do with you at all nor is whatever your "self reflecting on relevant.

[Babelfish]

Actually today has nothing to do with you at all nor is whatever your "self reflecting on relevant.

Actually I think you'll find it is. Its all to do with me. Its my perception of the ANZACs, nobody else's and I'll spend the day the way in which I want to spend it. In doing so, I make future decisions based on my own contemplations of such events. If its to do with more than one person, its to do with all of us, and its bullshit comments about how some people are more worthy than others on a day like today that makes me not want to attend said dog food smelling gatherings.

[zaq]

i was haunted by ghosts - bastards set my alarm to 0430 and 0530 and my phone was in the other room of the house. So twice i got up turned off the phone and went back to sleep.
So in hindsight i should have gone to a ceremony - but its just too commercial these days. And it almost doesn't mean anything now.
When i was younger we used to get up at 4, go grab a 10kg river stone and carry it up to the top of the nearest hill.
Somehow getting up at 5am, driving (your Audi) to 'her majesty's local yacht club and sipping a starbucks doesn't seem to commemorate as well.

I attended the ceremony at the Auckland Museum. It was simple and to the point. The thousands of folks who attended, young and old, will agree.

You must be on another planet....

[98tls]

Actually I think you'll find it is. Its all to do with me. Its my perception of the ANZACs, nobody else's and I'll spend the day the way in which I want to spend it. In doing so, I make future decisions based on my own contemplations of such events. If its to do with more than one person, its to do with all of us, and its bullshit comments about how some people are more worthy than others on a day like today that makes me not want to attend said dog food smelling gatherings.

By all means do want you want,for me perception has nothing to do with it,we all know what Anzac stands for and what they did.Your comments remind me of the gathering of "i want" brigade with there grandfathers medals who feel its there right to march alongside those that actually did something.

[Trudes]

I was awake at about 6am, lay in bed and honored the ANZACs and all the brave soldiers and other people who've done their duties during war time and also all the innocent victims of war, silently in my own thoughts. I also had a thoughtful and reflecting moment for my Granddad (Poppa), who was the most gentle kind soul, and whom I miss dearly. Then I got up at 7 and went for a ride with my hubby and enjoyed the chilly fresh air, the sun, the breeze and my freedom. And that's how I gave thanks and remembered.

[Babelfish]

Your comments remind me of the gathering of "i want" brigade with there grandfathers medals who feel its there right to march alongside those that actually did something.

Thanks for proving my point. Your comment might as well read "Only proper people need apply".

I wouldnt march. It isnt my place to. I dont have my grandfathers medals, but I do have his khukri. He is still alive, and he gave me this understanding that I respected his toils.

To my mind, if someone wants to head down and march alongside those that "did something" then they should. People should be able to spend this day in whatever fashion they like, be it an obvious show of passion, or quiet reflection, or not giving a toss.

The whole question of "what are you doing" to my mind either means "are you as just as I" or "I guilty for doing fuck all". Those that actually are just in their dealing with Anzac day would have no need to ask a question of someone else.

[Firefight]

had to work today,


we took time out this morning at our briefing to remember...



missed having breakfast at the RSA with my dad this year..



seems each year more and more young people at the dawn services..



F/F