[excerpt regarding ceremony]
I got back here just in time to make good use of my "engraved invitation"
to the Aust. unit's dawn memorial service. ANZAC stands for Australian New
Zealand Army Corps, and they are the unit that made that ill-fated landing in
Gallipoli April 25, 1915. Which is why today is their memorial day, ANZAC Day. .
. . [The] ceremony , which began at 4:30 a.m. local, with coffee
laced with rum, which is what the "diggers" received before being ordered to go
"over the Top," was moving to say the least. It began with the song "The
Band Played Waltzing Matilda", then several poems and prayers, and there was a
very sharp honor guard. Wreaths were laid at a makeshift, plywood memorial
with the engraved words "Lest We Forget". They read off the roll of honor,
listing all of the fallen soldiers of the Australian SAS, Special Ops, and
Special Aviation Regiment. It ended with the Last Post, their version of "Taps",
with the same results. I was so honored to have been asked to participate,
especially given the short time I operated with them, and it was moving and
wonderful ceremony.
[excerpt from poem read at ceremony]
..................................................
And all around the brown earth heaved and shook
And some who laughed
will never laugh again.
They only died in vain if we who live,
When
War's last shot is fired and last blood shed,
Refuse to give what all living
men can give,
To build anew the world for which they bled.
Nikki's comments -- If you have
never seen the movie Gallipoli, please do. It's absolutely
wonderful . . . and heart-breaking.
On a happy note, though, Sean received the first
mail today, two letters and two packages (from me and his mom!). I don't
know if any of that was forwarded from the previous "SOCCE" address, but I
believe both packages would have been addressed to the "5-C" address, at most 25
days ago. So we'll have to see if that delivery time holds up.
Thanks again to everyone who has written, e-mailed or sent Sean anything.
It is all so important and deeply appreciated.