vlad wrote:Having read the comments and the post's on this thread i am not really in a position to comment on a theatre of war you Aussies or kiwi that celebrate Anzac day. I do know our own Prince Harry is with the special forces out in the northern territory as we speak. As a Pom i find it disrepecfull to chat when there is an important broadcast or service going on where people have gathered to pay there respects. At least Rob goes out of his way to put this day on at least he deserves is a bit of credit where else would you be celebrating This ????. Don't lets start you said this you said that , your this your that, for 1 day in the year you should all come together and pay your respects not start a slagging match if you want to chat keep it down a little and think of the ones in Robs bar that came for the remembrance.

=D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

ANZAC day is a solemn occasion in the history Calendar, as is Remembrance day and anyone with morals and self respect should observe silence at the appropriate times and show utmost respect wherever they should be. Ex-servicemen included.Full stop.

Hi Rob,

Unfortunately l cannot make the Anzac day service. Rob, l and l am certain many others are in admiration of your efforts to solemnize (to observe with dignity and gravity ) the military conflict that forged the indomitable spirit and international identity of Australians and New Zealanders in a time of a world in disarray. May the spirit of the original Anzacs live on through those in attendance on the day.

I am afraid I dont get what you mean (chasing balloons) is that anything like chasing noggies all over south vietnam, which is where I was when I was 18/19. We got treated like s... in Vietnam, we put up with a lot of s... in Vietnam, we got treated like s... by the majority of the australian population and here it is 45 years later and we are still being treated like s...
It is no wonder that so many ex diggers have committed suicide over the years with the atitude of some people, even now.!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Vlad and Socksy, never mind T Tony, I know wherever you will be, you will be casting your mind in remembrance, there will be next year and hope you can make it then.

I think Vlad's reply was spot on. It's about showing respect to those around you and common courtesy at a memorial event, something sadly lacking today, do any of you leave your phone on when at the cinema? I don't think Rob should have been put in the situation where he had to even tell people to be quiet, these adults should have realized they were disturbing others and remained silent out of respect to others period. It takes a lot of time, effort and expense to put these events on, most do appreciate the genuine effort Rob puts in.
Sadly for you Rods you were caught up in the Vietnam or if you were Vietnamese the American war, you were very young and the governments of the day based these wars on blatant lie's which is now proven in history(Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia), obviously the Vietnamese treated the serving soldiers like sh-t, you were at war with them! If Indonesia overran Australia based on their lie's I wouldn't welcome them to take us over, I would fight them on our soil, wouldn't you? That's all the Vietnamese were doing, there soil was being invaded. At the time the vast majority of both the US and Australian populations new this war was totally unacceptable and bullsh-t, sadly for you guys you were caught up in the middle of it, know one denies how tough it was for the soldiers both in Vietnam and coming home.
The service Rob is putting on is for those that wish to attend to never forget the atrocity of war and to remember those that served and those that never came home. He is actually DOING IT.
Some of these posts are extremely childish and pathetic.

Two documentaries about Gallipoli. Each individual can make their own choices whether they choose, or not, to watch them. I respect people's views, ex-veterans and others who may not wish to commemorate events in history, particularly ex-forces personnel for obvious reasons. When I was in school all those years ago, I not only attended history lessons including projects about WW1 and WW2 but was also well informed about those two conflicts in particular by my Grandfather and Father. I dread to think what, if any pupils are learning about in History classes these days. Probably not what I learned because it may upset some minority. Sadly IMO in years to come the future citizens of the UK, NZ, Australia, Canada and others will have no idea what happened in 20th Century wars and the same goes for Iraq and Afghanistan this century

https://www.google.co.th/url?sa=t&rct=j ... wQf9RL2g-w

I am one proud Scotsman and respect and recognise Remembrance Day and Anzac day and the ultimate sacrifices made by their respective Countrymen and allies from other countries.

Forgive me for the rant.

Robert I will be unable to attend on Anzac day but I hope all goes well.

oh contrair Socksy, it is the younger generation in NZ that are now coming in droves to our ANZAC parades, and going off the Gallipoli and elsewhere, to camp near the battle sites, and wear their dads, or grandad's medals..we are having a big resurgence in followers...WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM ' seems to be holding fast in NZ..and that includes our forces scattered across the globe today..

Very good Maaka - I wish it was likewise in the UK.

Sport

Sadly i wont be able to attend your or any other ANZAC Day service this year being the 100th Aniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.

I will be off the Honduran Coast in the Caribbean

I have got with me a small Legacy pocket lapel badge to wear and a can of corned beef and a packet of ANZAC biscuits.

Will be there in my thoughts


My song requests to be played after the memorial service are already on your computer from the Aussie Play Lists I put on the desktop.

1/- And The Band Played Waltzing Maltilda. Bushwackers / Eric Bogle / The Pogues do a great version also.

2/- Khe Sahn. Cold Chisel / Barnsey and also a magnificent accoustic version by Paul Kelly

3/- I was only 19. A Walk in the Light Green. Redgum / John Schuman

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

Lest We Forget.

If anyone has any Rosemary it is synonymous to wear for ANZAC Day as a sign of remembrance and commemoration.

Im sure many will go to pay their respects to those service men and women.

Enjoy the service. Enjoy the meal and enjoy the footie. Go Bombers as I would love to see Eddie suffer.

The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Eric Bogle

When I was a young man I carried me pack
And I lived the free life of the rover
From the Murray's green basin to the dusty outback
I waltzed my Matilda all over
Then in 1915 my country said: Son,
It's time to stop rambling, there's work to be done
So they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun
And they sent me away to the war

And the band played Waltzing Matilda
When the ship pulled away from the quay
And amid all the tears, flag waving and cheers
We sailed off for Gallipoli

It well I remember that terrible day
When our blood stained the sand and the water
And how in that hell they call Suvla Bay
We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter
Johnny Turk, he was ready, he primed himself well
He rained us with bullets, and he showered us with shell
And in five minutes flat, we were all blown to hell
He nearly blew us back home to Australia

And the band played Waltzing Matilda
When we stopped to bury our slain
Well we buried ours and the Turks buried theirs
Then it started all over again

Oh those that were living just tried to survive
In that mad world of blood, death and fire
And for ten weary weeks I kept myself alive
While around me the corpses piled higher
Then a big Turkish shell knocked me arse over head
And when I awoke in me hospital bed
And saw what it had done, I wished I was dead
I never knew there was worse things than dying

Oh no more I'll go Waltzing Matilda
All around the green bush far and near
For to hump tent and pegs, a man needs both legs
No more waltzing Matilda for me

They collected the wounded, the crippled, the maimed
And they shipped us back home to Australia
The armless, the legless, the blind and the insane
Those proud wounded heroes of Suvla
And when the ship pulled into Circular Quay
I looked at the place where me legs used to be
And thank Christ there was no one there waiting for me
To grieve and to mourn and to pity

And the Band played Waltzing Matilda
When they carried us down the gangway
Oh nobody cheered, they just stood there and stared
Then they turned all their faces away

Now every April I sit on my porch
And I watch the parade pass before me
I see my old comrades, how proudly they march
Renewing their dreams of past glories
I see the old men all tired, stiff and worn
Those weary old heroes of a forgotten war
And the young people ask "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question

And the band plays Waltzing Matilda
And the old men still answer the call
But year after year, their numbers get fewer
Someday, no one will march there at all

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
Who'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me?
And their ghosts may be heard as they march by the billabong
So who'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me?

Excellent post Wazza, extremely poignant. Hope all "The Antipodians" have a good day on such a solemn occasion. I had the honour of being seconded to the The Royal Australian Survey Corps back in the late '60's in Northern Territory, and Western Aus. Also did my stint in oil exploration in the Cooper Basin. Let us never forget the tragedies of War!

Can I as an Englishman add a comment as I have always wondered why some Aussies seem to treat the day as a celebration rather than a commemoration, unlike their comrades the Kiwis and even the Brits. This was highlighted on the occasion of the inauguration of the memorial at Hell Fire Pass attended by dignitaries from all three countries .The Australian embassy had laid on a beer table for drinks after the ceremony. I questioned this with an embassy staffer as it seemed rather celebratory to me .The answer I got may interest some .
Whilst the Brits and the Kiwis have a recognised national day, St Georges 23rd April for the Brits and Waitanga Day 6th February for the Kiwis on which they can celebrate their patriotism and recognise the solemnity of a day for remembrance separately. The Australians have never been united in celebrating their day, Ana Day on 26th January, due to various opposing attitudes to the reason for the celebration, so many see Anzac day as a day to celebrate their pride in being Australian as well as in remembrance of fallen comrades .
Any comments on this theory?

Trubrit

Said to a friend a few weeks ago wonder if you will post this question again, as it appears every few years

To save a lot of trouble , here is a link

http://www.army.gov.au/our-history/traditions/anzac-day, its the official Army version, so it encompasses many of the pomp and ceremony which was passed down from the British Army.

Many historians believe that Australia as a nation was born on the beaches of Gallipoli with their brave actions etc.

The nation was only 15 years old from its independence from Britain and as such was still influenced heavily by British culture and their mainstream behaviour. The Gallipoli campaign and the ongoing 4 years after that saw the story of the Anzacs at Gallipoli remains an important part of Australia's national identity.

More than 8,000 Australians lost their lives in the ill-fated attempt to force passage through the Dardanelles strait and capture the Turkish capital, Constantinople.

The legends of Anzac heroism, mateship and ingenuity have gone down in folklore , this is a part of ANZAC tradition that differs to that of Remembrance Day which is how the British celebrate their national day for their Armed Forces .

Australia Day is the date in which Australia celebrates the first settlement of White Australians , Captain Phillip and the First Fleet on Jan 26th .

Australia Day is a massive day of individuals , street parties, community events including Australian Citizenship ceremonies in all states and territories. Australia Day awards are presented to individuals, sadly the present Prime Minister choose to reinstate Knighthoods this year , without consulting his cabinet or party.

Australia Day is also seen by some academics as now being racist and causing divisions between communities and people as more and more of the population becomes multicultural. It hasn't become as bad as it is in England where local councils prohibit the flying of the flag of St George etc.

Australians are very clear on the separation of these 2 days

1 - The theory that Australian Nationalism was born on the beaches of Gallipoli and the "Australian Character " was perhaps created from here.

2 - Australia Day is the celebration of white settler arrival and is the biggest party day in Australia.

Both days have dedicated public holidays for this .

Australians when they celebrate , tend to have formal and also the informal way.

The pomp and ceremony of some occasions like ANZAC Day then tends to lead to a celebration with a BBQ, beer , and many sporting games are played in the afternoon, Im sure the Australian Ambassador at Kanchanaburi today would have taken his tie and jacket off and mingled with the 1000's that attend there. Its a standing joke all Australians say to him after the service, So where are the free government beers then. Perhaps the British Ambassador drove home in his escorted Rolls Royce ?

Basically in a nut shell, its a different character, different meanings, The pomp and ceremony of British pagentary doesn't fit the Australian way of life.

Also the word Celebration is used by other religious bodies to celebrate the passing of one s death, not as a party theme.

Im sure more qualified Australians might wish to add their 2 bobs worth.

wazza wrote:Trubrit

Said to a friend a few weeks ago wonder if you will post this question again, as it appears every few years
Australians when they celebrate , tend to have formal and also the informal way.
edit
The pomp and ceremony of some occasions like ANZAC Day then tends to lead to a celebration with a BBQ, beer , and many sporting games are played in the afternoon, Im sure the Australian Ambassador at Kanchanaburi today would have taken his tie and jacket off and mingled with the 1000's that attend there. Its a standing joke all Australians say to him after the service, So where are the free government beers then. Perhaps the British Ambassador drove home in his escorted Rolls Royce ?

Basically in a nut shell, its a different character, different meanings, The pomp and ceremony of British pagentary doesn't fit the Australian way of life.

..

Im sure more qualified Australians might wish to add their 2 bobs worth.

Thanks for that Wazza. Don't remember I have posed the question before.However I must ask. I realise the Australian generally has a more casual approach to life in general than us Brits, strange that doesn't seem to have rubbed off on the Kiwi's though, but do you not see a contradiction between one minute standing heads lowered in remembrance, then immediately grabbing a beer and having a party. To me the two are totally incompatible . Yes your correct the NZ and UK ambassadors did depart immediately the service was over, not sure if it was in a Roll's though, whilst your guy knocked back a few , which added to my confusion .Guess the language is the only common denominator we share .
.Thanks to all that paid the ultimate price that we may be free to differ what ever day it may be .
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Rob

Absolute top effort for the ANZAC day ceremony. Well done with the team who assisted you and gave the speeches. Good to see the Thai Army attend.
Good coverage of the ANZAC Cove ceremony.

I certainly recall your previous comments years ago as the so called administrator at Kanchanaburi or similar.

Your seem to not understand Australian Culture.

If you dont like the way Australians choose to celebrate ANZAC Day then by all means ask. BtW did you actually go to the service today perhaps somebody could have explained it easier than me at 0130 hrs today.

Lets change the way we celebrate and call it a wake. Traditional for Brits and Irish ?

From memory the last Brit that died in Udon that i knew and attended his service all the Poms went to the Pub after to have a beer. Funny eh.

trubrit wrote:

wazza wrote:Trubrit

Said to a friend a few weeks ago wonder if you will post this question again, as it appears every few years
Australians when they celebrate , tend to have formal and also the informal way.
edit
The pomp and ceremony of some occasions like ANZAC Day then tends to lead to a celebration with a BBQ, beer , and many sporting games are played in the afternoon, Im sure the Australian Ambassador at Kanchanaburi today would have taken his tie and jacket off and mingled with the 1000's that attend there. Its a standing joke all Australians say to him after the service, So where are the free government beers then. Perhaps the British Ambassador drove home in his escorted Rolls Royce ?

Basically in a nut shell, its a different character, different meanings, The pomp and ceremony of British pagentary doesn't fit the Australian way of life.

..

Im sure more qualified Australians might wish to add their 2 bobs worth.

Thanks for that Wazza. Don't remember I have posed the question before.However I must ask. I realise the Australian generally has a more casual approach to life in general than us Brits, strange that doesn't seem to have rubbed off on the Kiwi's though, but do you not see a contradiction between one minute standing heads lowered in remembrance, then immediately grabbing a beer and having a party. To me the two are totally incompatible . Yes your correct the NZ and UK ambassadors did depart immediately the service was over, not sure if it was in a Roll's though, whilst your guy knocked back a few , which added to my confusion .Guess the language is the only common denominator we share .
.Thanks to all that paid the ultimate price that we may be free to differ what ever day it may be .


Trubrit with all due respect I think you are making to much of the drinking directly after the Ceremonies across our Aussie nation and shores beyond. The simple explanation IMO is when I was growing up it was the ex servicemen in their thousands across Australia who were the ones who went for a drink with their armed services mates from different battalions directly after the march past. Every pub had a breakfast and a beer for the diggers and a game of two up. The public would join in and have a drink if room permitted in the bar. As those who have grown old and numbers dwindled at the marches, but for our Vietnam vets and closer wars, it is still a tradition today to have that breakfast and a beer after the remembrance ceremonies are completed. Exactly what happened at Robs bar today. Some choose not to drink and some do, that is one of the choices we are afforded due to the fighting spirit of our for fathers.

Trubrit

You are so far detached from this subject to be honest, in fact very insulting to say the only thing we have in common is the language. You are an embarrassment to all the other Poms , that us Australians call friends in Udon and surrounding provinces.

Yes we all gather around and play 2 up and have a beer or three, what of it? Your not going to understand what the day means to an Australian or a New Zealander because you are not part of the collective national Spirit that IS ANZAC. It's an almost sacred day. The sanctity of which is not going to be felt or recognised in anyway by an outsider. They can watch our ceremonies, be guests there, and say 'but we fought too! You were troops under our command'. Who left us to pull together on a rocky beach as two young nations and strive towards LIFE, NOT for the Crown, not for the Motherland, she was too busy ducking the Germans and staring at German invasion to take time out to help us. So we did it for the guy beside us. The genesis of true Mateship and the Australian way.

Who are you to tell us, A Nation of Convicts, Indigenous Australians , New Zealand settlers and the unconquered Maori, how to celebrate what is Our Day of Remembrance.

Barney wrote:Rob

Absolute top effort for the ANZAC day ceremony. Well done with the team who assisted you and gave the speeches. Good to see the Thai Army attend.
Good coverage of the ANZAC Cove ceremony.

Congratulations Rob,

I have something to be placed on the ANZAC Wall, Paramedics made a window sticker for their vehicles, will frame it for The Aussie Sports Bar