Tributes
ANZAC Day Poem
All The Bloomin' Way
I saw a boy marching, with medals on his chest,
He marched alongside Diggers, marching six abreast,
He knew it was ANZAC Day, he marched along with pride,
And did his best to keep in step, with the Diggers by his side,
And when the march was over, the boy looked rather tired,
A Digger asked, "Whose medals Son?" to which the boy replied,
"They belong to my Dad, but he didn't come back,
"He died in New Guinea, up on the Kokoda Track.
The boy looked rather sad - a tear came to his eye,
But the Digger said, "Don't worry Son - I'll tell you why.
"Your old Man marched with us today, all the bloomin' way,
"All us Diggers knew he was here, it's like that on ANZAC Day.
The boy looked rather puzzled, he didn't understand.
But the Digger went on talking and started to wave his hand.
"For this great land we live in, there's a price we have to pay,
"To keep Australia free, and fly our flag today,
"Yes we all love fun and merriment, in this country where we live,
"But the price was that some soldier, his precious life must give,
"For you to go to school my Son, and worship G~d at will,
"Somebody had to pay the price, so our Diggers paid the bill.
"Your old Man died for us my Son, for all things good and true,
"I hope you can understand, these words I've said to you.
The boy looked up at the Digger, and after a little while,
His face changed expression, and he said, with a beautiful smile,
"I know my Dad marched here today, this our ANZAC Day.
"I know he did. I know he did.
"All the bloomin' way!
by D Hunter of 2/12th Bn, 18 Bde 7th Div, who fought at Shaggy Ridge 1943
The Best on Earth:
An ANZAC & Remembrance Day Tribute
If someone has done military service,
They earn the title "veteran," and more;
They earn our deep respect and admiration;
That they are special no one can ignore.
They sacrificed the comforts we enjoy;
The list is long of all the things they gave;
Our veterans are extraordinary people;
They’re loyal, dedicated, true and brave.
When terror and invasion were real threats,
They showed us they could handle any storm.
We owe our freedoms and our very lives
To our veterans, who served in uniform.
Our veterans should be celebrities;
They’re exceptional; no other group compares.
We’re grateful for the many things they’ve done;
They’re always in our hearts and in our prayers.
We owe our veterans support and friendship;
Let no one ever question what they’re worth.
These men and women served us and our country;
Our veterans--the very best on earth.
By Joanna Fuchs
Click to read the tributes of the Fallen, below.
Frank Slutzkin VRD