Today was Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand.
ANZAC Day is the anniversary of the day in 1915 when soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the beaches of Gallipoli. It is the day when the people of Australia and New Zealand remember those who fell or were injured in war.
In every city, Australians and New Zealanders rose early for a dawn service to remember and honour those who gave their lives for others, not just in Gallipoli but in many other wars. Elderly war veterans, joined by family and friends of those who fought, suffered or died, formed processions thru city streets all across the country. Fighter planes roared as they flew overhead. Television stations broadcast programs across the country for most of the day.
As one watches, participates and listens, you become very aware that ANZAC day is far more than a memorial. In Australia, it is a demonstration of mateship of the Australian people.
Mateship for an Australian means courage, endurance, sacrifice, loyalty, not letting the team down, helping out the Aussie battler, being there when the chips are down. The ANZACs fought on when other soldiers would not dare because their mates’ lives were in danger. When the going gets tough the tough get going!
What a great example! Whilst we admire those who have placed their lives in danger for others, not many of us find ourselves in such a place. But regardless of the country we live in, we can live by their example in the way we treat each other…. Caring for those who are battling, being more tolerant of each other, giving without expecting reward, going the extra mile, and let others know you care.
All over the place, in churches, community centres, parks and beaches, candles have been lit in memory of those who gave up their future for our present. I just love the meaning, emotion and sense of closeness that candles bring.
For those of you who are remembering a lost loved one, we hold you up in our prayers today.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment