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