ANZAC DAY

 Today is ANZAC Day.  It's the day we remember all those who have given their lives, served or are serving in wars.  Every city, town and many villages hold remembrance ceremonies.  There are official services held in Gallipoli (Turkey) and Villiers-Bretonneaux (France)  the sites of battles in WWI, where Australia and New Zealand fought as separate entities instead of just part of the British Empire .  Therefore, it is also very important to both countries. It does not glorify war....quite the opposite.

Bella watched the whole Sydney parade.....over 2 hours....and then the Gallipoli Service on television.

 There are always huge crowds of people waving flags and sporting sprigs of Rosemary, for remembrance and red poppies.

The Ode is recited at all services.  It's a verse from "The Fallen".

They shall not grow old,

As we who are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them

Nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun,

and in the morning

We will remember them.

 Red poppies were among the first flowers to grow among the graves in Northern France and Belgium.