God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
....The LORD Almighty is with us.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
....The LORD Almighty is with us.
Psalm 46:1, 11
Anzac Day in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
 |
| Red poppies and sprigs of resemary worn on lapels signify one's awareness of sacrifices not to be forgotten. |
As a young person in the Brownies and then Girl Guides, I would annually attend an Anzac Day ceremony at the town's war memorial on the morning of 25th April. Anzac Day began as Australia's national day of remembrance - a solemn occasion to remember soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War 1. Today's ceremonies in all Australian towns and cities, commemorate all those who served and died in the various military operations for their countries over the years.
Our service in Toowoomba this morning followed the familiar pattern of an introduction, a hymn, a prayer, an address, the laying of wreaths, recitation, the playing of the Last Post, a minute of silence, Reveille and the playing of both the new Zealand and Australian national anthems.
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 For the Fallen, a poem by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon and was published in London in The Winnowing Fan: Poems of the Great War in 1914. This verse, which became the Ode for the Returned and Services League, has been used in association with commemoration services in Australia since 1921. http://www.anzacday.org.au/education/tff/rememwords.html
May we keep an awareness of and gratefulness toward those who have fought for our freedom.
painting of robin by Brenda, Robyn's mum
May we keep an awareness of and gratefulness toward those who have fought for our freedom.
painting of robin by Brenda, Robyn's mum