Least We Forget - ANZAC Day
 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae



They shall grow not old, as we that 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.

Least we Forget.

Your making me feel guilty now.

First year in ages that I haven't gone to an ANZAC dawn service...

at least I attended the subsim forum service!

I marchaed with 28Sqn this morning in Canberra, outside the AWM.
Proudly wearing my fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers medals, as well as my own solitary long service medal, oh well.

I wish I could have been there with you all.

I hope that you will accept my respects and my salute gents.

Cheers mates

We had a good turn out here for today's march which was led by the navy vetrans and a large corwd cheered them on.

We do and thank you very much.

Then you should apply to receive the recently approved Australian Defence Medal -

http://www.rfd.org.au/documents/medalapp.pdf

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson, announced on 30 March 2006.

“Her Majesty the Queen has approved the official regulations and design for the award that aims to recognise current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) Regular and Reserve personnel, and volunteer and National Servicemen, who have served since the end of World War II,� Mr Billson said.

“The Australian Government is committed to recognising the outstanding contribution to our proud military history made by Australian men and women in uniform.

“After extensive consultation with veterans’ organisations and the wider community, the government has decided to broaden the eligibility criteria to include former ADF members who completed their initial enlistment period, or four years service, whichever is the lesser,� Mr Billson said.

“The criteria also recognises National Servicemen and those who could not serve the four-year qualifying period because of the ADF’s workplace and enlistment policies of the time.

“The expanded criteria also includes those who die in service or are medically discharged due to permanent injury and unable to reach four years or complete their initial period of enlistment,� Mr Billson said.

“Although creating any new medal is an extensive process which includes consultation, design and testing, Royal approval and manufacturing, the medal is an important tribute to those who have given so much for our country.

“Presentation ceremonies by senior military officers and Federal parliamentarians are expected to commence in mid-2006 as the medals become available. I encourage all those eligible to submit applications and supporting evidence as soon as possible to receive the recognition they deserve,� Mr Billson said.

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If you have the Parramatta star, you are entitled to the ADM.

Damn, missed out by 6 months, i could have got a medal, :cry:

:rotfl:

Got the application form right in front of me now and it will be on its way to DHA tomorrow. :yep:

My Dad's a bit frustrated though - every time he gets his medals remounted, they throw him a new one!

Anyway, Lest We Forget.

Hi Harry, as a serving member I should get it automatically (as I understand the eligiblity critera), I have the newer version of the DFLSM I will have to apply for one for my father's service too. I also had to apply for the ASM 45-75 for him, took 40 years but the Defence dept finally recognised 78 fighter wings time in Malta between 52-54 as warlike.

I'm humbled that I'm in the good company of so many sons/daughters of ANZAC's. 8y's of service with in the RAAC and still serving now as an Instructor of Cadets but for the Australian Navy Cadet Corp (would you believe :lol: )

We had a great turn out for Dawn service at Kings Park overlooking Perth as the sun came up. The march through Perth kicked off at 09:30H and was the biggest turn out that I can ever remember, but sadly the rain came in with a vengence and the midday service was called off. The Lads an Lass's all still marched through the down pour and the crowed stayed an cheered, but as usual it was the polly's who chickend out.

To all who have served their country and those still servering far from home - Thanks.

Hang around for 15 years and you'll also get teh Cadet Forces Service Medal.

Looks like most of the Australian forum members are defence/ ex defence... interesting

So what's the SH3 connection? :hmm:

Better clarify this, my great grandfather served in the Boer War, and my grandfather in the WWI, but they were in England at the time, my father served in WWII in the RAAF, as am I, 21st year this August.