The longest weekend in history

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  My Grandfather was affected by the War...most of his family was killed in front of him and he ended up being adopted by a very cruel and horrid man that "claimed" to be his Uncle...just for the sake of having him as a slave! Tragically, there are too many stories like this! < I too thank the men and young boys that fought and died for our freedom and the women that helped them to heal and come home to loved ones! I thank the current women that are in the armed services and sorry to say, but hope they are never put in the "front" of ANY war! (That will start a few arguements I am sure...but that is MY opinion)! < These people should not only be remember twice a year (ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day) they should be remembered EVERY day as we look around at our freedom and the way of life for us that they fought so hard for! LEST WE FORGET! xFunlovingx

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  did the dawn service......my grandad served in both wars, my uncles in WW2, and my father saw duty during the Vietnam war era and beyond. thank god we have not since had the need for either conscription or a call for volunteers......hopefully never will again...

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  THE FINAL INSPECTION . The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass. .. 'Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you ? Have you always turned the other cheek ? To My Church have you been true?' . The soldier squared his shoulders and said, 'No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint. . I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough. / But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep. . And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear. / . I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fear. / If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand. . There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod. As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. . 'Step forward now, you soldier, You've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell.' . ~Author Unknown~

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  Rest in peace boys, not all of you died in battle, some of you died in service related accidents, others out in civvy street, two of you by your own hand, but on days like this you're all in my thoughts. Lest we forget.

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  platinumblonde69

  15 years ago

  Yes..We live in a wonderful country..If it wasnt for the ANZACS this may not be the case...For me, this day has more meaning than any other public holiday.... LEST WE FORGET

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  Focus, well said.For us, ANZAC day is the real sacred day and the only day throughout the year that we truly observe. It still brings me to tears whether that be watching a march, seeing the passion of the marchers, seeing a flyby or simply hearing about an aspect of the day. The day moves me like no other and I have not served.Like others I say thank you to those that have served in the past, those that serve today and those that will serve in the future.To those that gave the ultimate sacrifice you will never be forgottenShell and Gaz

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  Yeah gotta give it to the armed forces boys and girls , current and 'past'. Had a crack at it myself but didn't very much enjoy having officers have so much power over me , ie military law , so chucked it in , good way to get fit though I must admit. My great uncle Lloyd was a kiwi fighter ace flying spitfires in the Battle of Britain. He shot down I dunno how many Germans and survived a couple of crashes himself. One day he asked me , (I was about 13) , "do you know what I enjoyed most in my whole life?" , then he said "shooting those bastards out of the sky , it is better than anything , even sex" He went on to explain that the stakes being so high , life and death , flying so fast with such little protection , and just the sheer rush and the enjoyment of killing. I was surprised to hear him say that. But actually although we all know war is a most terrible thing , can cause so much suffering and loss and pain , it can also be an incredible experience of chivalry , IF you're on the right team. I don't think he's right about it being better than sex :) but I gotta thank him and all the others so much for allowing me this freedom that I enjoy , just hope I never have to pick up those bloody weapons myself. Loz

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  We totally agree with Focuslaision and We hope all come back safe after there long long weekends away Tryit3 :)

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  So today I slept late, went to the beach in our cossies, and had fish and chips there for lunch. I drove my family home in a car that I have the right to own. Today we celebrated the sacrifice that all those who fought for our country and are still fighting by doing all the things they gave up their lives so that we could do. Lest we Forget

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  RHP User

  15 years ago

  Thank you to all service men and women - past and present.

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