ANZAC Day 2019 The Ode

Thursday 25th April, 2019

ANZAC Day – the Ode

“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.”

The Ode comes from the poem “For the Fallen”.

The poem was written by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon.

“For the Fallen” was first published in London in the Winnowing Fan; Poems of the Great War in 1914.

The verse, which became the League Ode, was already used in association with commemoration services in Australia in 1921.

Australian Army Site

ANZAC DAY 2019

This time last year, I was in Townsville, Queensland.

It’s important to realize that Townsville is *very* much a military town.

It hosts Lavarak Barracks and a large RAAF Base.

I attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, had a Gunfire Breakfast, and watched the ANZAC Day Parade.

It has been many years since I have attended an ANZAC Day Service.

As I have mentioned before, I have many friends and family members who have served, or are serving.

Attending Dawn Service or other commemorative services are always a mixed experience for me personally.

I abhor war and conflict.

However, I have a deep respect for those that serve.

Every ANZAC Day, there are less of the old Diggers marching.

I did have an unexpected emotional reaction to witnessing young soldiers marching, with medals already upon their chests.

This year, I am marking this day in my own way at home.

ANZAC Day, to me, has a very Samhain aspect.

It has become the start of my Samhain commemorations every year.

But for today:

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”