Australia' Holiest Day?

[Graham]

Anzac Day IS a holi-day (you folks call it a vacation). We all get the day off (except self employed people like me who are working).

I would argue about the term Australia's holiest day. It is obviously a special day of rememberance to those who fought in the war and for their families. The country acknowledges the pain and suffering the diggers went through, even the folly and futility of conflict and the lives lost.

..but a holy day? I don't think so. The day is unconnected to any Christian celebration (or any other religion for that matter).
I think Christmas and Good Friday remain at the top of the holy day list still.

I hope I'm not being too picky

[macwilkin]

Raptor,

Thank you for your post. I have a good friend in Toowoomba, Qld. that sent me several videos of Channel 7's coverage of the Brisbane ANZAC Day parade back in the late '90's; I was very moved by what I saw, and saddened that Americans do not do similar on Memorial & Veteran's Day here. We could learn a lot from the Aussies (and Kiwis) in this regard. What really touched me were all of the children wearing the medals of their fathers/grandfathers in the parade, and marching with their old comrades.

Tomorrow I will wear my Digger "slouch hat" pin from the Qld. ANZAC Day committee as a wee reminder of the sacrifice made that day at Gallipoli by the Aussies, Kiwis, Scots, Irish, English and French that faced Johnny Turk. I will also listen to my John Williamson CD and his version of And the band played Waltzing Matilda.

And whilst ANZAC Day is not a religious holiday, a verse from the Bible does come to mind:

Greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for his friends [mates].

We will remember.

Regards,

Todd