25 April is the day we officially remember the Australian and New Zealand humans who went to war. Starting with the original ANZACs sent to Gallipoli. We can keep the memories of the OGs (I don't think that is disrespectful) and the others alive by thinking of them at any time if we wish.
It got me wondering what prompted the ANZACs of WWI to go and whether they really knew what they were going to. Were they conscripted? Did they go for the pay? Out of patriotism? So as not to be thought a coward and to avoid the dreaded white feather? For adventure? That got me thinking of my old friend Mr Herbert Clarence Poulton, a lovely Cockney gentleman I knew in the late 60s and very early 70s. He was one of our neighbours and I walked his dog when I was a kid. He was a very patriotic Englishman as well as having adopted Australia as his home. He had enlisted in WWI in around 1916 and lied about his age. He was 15 years old - can you imagine? He had experiences he never would have if not for the war. He used to tell me about adventures and fun times in places like Paris and Vladivostok, but spared me stories about active combat. When I knew him I though he was Really Old but he would have been 70, maybe. That's just one story out of the multitudes.
I personally am grateful to have never lived in an active war zones. Many of us have family who have (they tell us we're soft) and it's telling that mostly they won't talk about it.
Anne E rocked an Aussie Cossie to show respect for the occasion.
Shaun is smashing his recovery, surgeon is amazed.
Guy's magnificent contribution.
As is our tradition (can we call it that?) a short service / ceremony was held, with a huge attendance.
Lainey prepping her gear
Viz was ordinary as you can see.
But I managed to see this lovely bloke and spent quite a bit of time in his company
Which meant I missed the majority of the returning swimmers.
And just like that things are back to normal, except for the hole in the wall cafe doing a roaring trade.
What am I listening to?
Here's an old bloke singing about love and war.
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