i went to the best dawn service i have ever been to this morning. at the beach at bargara. the sound of the pipe band in the distance, as they got closer to the beaufort bomber memorial the sight of proud ex-service men and women marching, some displaying medals some not. all worthy of medals though. young army and navy cadets and school kids, a few tributes, a hymn, a poem to make the eyes swell a bit. then to add to it all a flypast of a world war ll p51 mustang and then the chilling sounds of three iroquois helicopters flying in and hovering above the beach before fying over the service. that followed by the the the last post just blew me away.
an anzac poem.
sir,would it help if i shed a tear
i swear its the first time since this time last year
my spine is a tingle- my throat is all dry
as i stand to attention for all those that died
i watch the flag dancing half way down the pole
that damn bugle player sends chills to my soul
feel the pride and the sorrow- there's nothing the same
as standing to attention on ANZAC Day
so sir- on behalf of the young and the free
will you take a message when you finally do leave
to your mates that are lying from tobruk to the somme
the legend of your bravery will always live on
i've welcomed olympians back to our shore
i've cheered baggy green caps and watched wallabies score
but when i watch you marching sir in that parade
i know these are the memories that will never fade
so sir- on behalf of the young and the free
will you take a message when you finally do leave
it's the least we can do sir- to repay the debt
we will always remember you-LEST WE FORGET.
i do not know who wrote the poem but it moved me as does anzac day.
just thought i would share it with you.
cheers
LEST WE FORGET.