Day 32 - Rest

Anzac Day 2014

They shall not grow old
As we are left to grow old.

Age shall not weary them

Nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning

We shall remember them.

Lest We Forget

I'm a new Australian, this being my first official ANZAC day I was trying to understand and found this amazing tribute from 2013, put together by a high school. It moved me, considerably. For all my friends and family back in the UK, this is part of the heritage I belong to now and its very important to me.

I also found a ceremony that was pretty moving to watch, and to all my fellow Australians taking part   in (or attending) ceremonies, marches and services all over Australia, we shall remember them.

To all of my colleagues who have been doing ANZAC duties, I hope your day went well.

Being a serving member of the Australian Defence Force, with the Royal Australian Navy I am proud to have been involved in this, my first ever ANZAC Day. Today was truthfully a day of rest, and a chance to reflect on more than I could ever put into words. 

All I can say is that everyday I am both amazed and humbled by the people with whom I serve. This is the motivation and the inspiration that drives me. I am a part of something special, something bigger than myself. It something that contributes to the development and sustainment of the country I call home. The people of Australia are a very special and unique people, and I have grown to love them, and their tradition. Today I realised that to the great responsibility that all serving members of the ADF carry is sacred and worth protecting. I belong to a wonderful community of people who share the same values and traditions. Today we should also remember that there are many ADF members serving on operations and we should spare a few moments thought for them as they carry out their duties.

I hope this post, comes across as I intended it to. 

Positively and Respectfully, I say good night.