Australian New Zealand Army Corps

 Hello Friends!  Happy Anzac Day!  If you are unaware of what Anzac Day is I will explain in the next paragraph.  This is the Requiem that was read by Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN at the ceremony this morning:

"On the morning of 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops landed under fire at Gallipoli.  It was then and in the battles which followed that the ANZAC tradition was formed.
On this day, above all days, we remember all those who served our nation in times of war.
We remember with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship.  We remember what they accomplished for Australia, and indeed for the freedom of mankind.
We honour those who died or were disabled in the tragedy of war.  They adorn our nation's history.
We remember those who feel amidst the valleys and ridges of Gallipoli, on the terraced hills of Palestine, in France and Belgium, on the sands on North African desert, amidst the mountains and olive groves of Greece, Crete and Syria, in the skies over Europe, in Singapore, in the jungles of Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, in Korea and Vietnam, in later conflicts and in peacekeeping, in the skies and seas in many parts of the world and on our own soil and in our sea lanes.
We remember those who suffered as prisoners of war, and those who died in captivity.  We remember staunch friends and allies, especially those who fought alongside us on that first day on Gallipoli in 1915. 
Our servicemen and women have left us a splendid heritage.  May we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice."

It is a "Memorial Day" of sorts.  As a special little touch, I made some ANZAC biscuits to bring along to the ceremony.  These biscuits were made of such pantry items that have a long shelf life.  Sugar, syrup, flour, oats, and coconut are a few of the ingredients.  They are extra crunchy and quite delicious.  They were a treat that was sent to the service troops from home. 

Below are some pictures of the events:

 Australian Troops marching in.

 The girls eating their ANZAC biscuits.

 The Australian Submarine Association.

 Here come the Americans!  Matt put on his uniform and marched in the freezing cold weather today.

 I liked this picture because it has both the American flag and the Australian flag.

 Matt is on the end of the third row from the right. 

 Bagpipes.

 The Laying of the Wreaths in front of the War Memorial.

 The Aussie Troops during the National Anthem.

The ceremony ended with a spectacular fly over! 

What a special event to be a part of.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures!  Lest we forget.

Enjoy today!