Anzac day
April 25, 2008 by littlegemsession
It’s a holiday in here today, we are remembering those Australian and New Zealand soldiers killed in battle.
I don’t march or attend services on ANZAC day for the same reasons that In a Strange Land has written about so well. What I did do is tell my children why I think all war is such a terrible thing and how we all (including George W Bush) need to learn from the past.
It worries me that some people use this as an opportunity to glorify war. How come there aren’t any memorials or parades for the civlians caught up and killed in all the wars? See LJ for my full thoughts
I couldn’t agree more, or women who died in childbirth? Not that I want to detract from the normalcy of childbirth iykwim.
My nightmare - giving birth in a war.
I read the post you linked to, and the views are very interesting, I agree with some of them, but for me, Anzac Day still remains important.
I always shed a tear on Anzac day. Why? Because it reminds me of the horrors of War, the needlessness of fighting, the fact that both men and women were willing to “do their part” and help protect our way of life. I’ve had rellies die in the war, I know people whose family have died in the Nazi death camps. It’s all so horribly wrong. That’s what Anzac Day should remind us. That’s why it’s so sombre, because it was tragic, and still is tragic that we are STILL fighting wars around the world. I’m not for glorifying war, but if it (Anzac Day) gives meaning to people by marching and feel that their loved ones didn’t die for nothing, then that’s a valuable thing too.
For me, Anzac Day isn’t just about men and soldiers, but for everyone effected by war. And as the old Diggers die out, maybe there will be less glory and more sorrow. I don’t know.
I celebrated Anzac Day by having a well earned sleep-in, and made some time for thinking about the significance of the day. I understand why some people don’t want to be part of it. And I understand why it means a lot to others.
Come back to blogland! I miss you!
x H
Thanks for your thoughtful comments Drewzel. It’s great to know that readers don’t feel they have to agree with everything iykwim :).
Hey Helen! Thanks! I missed blogland too!