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In Honor of Them

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"The Ode comes from For the Fallen, a poem by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon and has been used in association with commemoration services in Australia since 1921." There are 1135 RSL Clubs in Australia., .

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Elsie, I 'ave just returned from my visit to see my family over seas. Was nervous getting on the plane, but turned out to be a breeze. Jeff’s boy Jason 'is wife an kids in Australia, spoiled me a treat, They are in Sydney and seemed glad that we finally got to meet They took me to nice places, saw the mountains and the sea, Beaches there are beautiful and their Opera House surprised me . The Aussies are a friendly mob, eager to please and I fitted in well One night we had a lovely roast lamb meal at a club called an RSL That stands for Returned Serviceman’s League and it was really top We were playin the poker machines and everything came to a stop. Elsie, one thing extra makes these Aussies really special folk All the people stood and listened as on a microphone came a bloke Exactly at 9pm the lights are dimmed and he recites an 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. And a bugle plays the last post. Oh Elsie, Jason says they remember their fallen every night at 9pm. What a great country this is, bless em all for remembering them. Them that died bravely fighting to protect the land from the foe. Men and women in armed services in recent times and long ago. Sponsor Brian Strand Contest Name SECOND CHANCE

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Terry Ireland

Date: 10/30/2022 7:13:00 AM

I have experienced this Aussie attitude at first hand, Wendy. Our Honorary Padre at thr Centre was an Australian on a 3 year position at his church. We organised 3 ANZAC DAY Remembrance Ceremony’s for him at our Cenotaph. Each was attended by a senior member of your High Commossion and was a memorable event.

Wendy Horder
Date: 10/30/2022 8:02:00 AM

I am sure the Padre was touched by such a gesture Terry. Our ANZAC day ceremonies here begin with dawn services all over the country on the 25th April every year, followed by tributes at the cenotaphs and huge processions of servicemen and women and ex service people too, marching through the streets of all the big cities. That is usually followed by reunions all through the afternoon and evening.

Charles Messina

Date: 10/30/2022 3:53:00 AM

Wonderful tribute tom the fallen, Wendy. If I ever make out to Aus. I will try to get to an RSL club for sure.

Wendy Horder
Date: 10/30/2022 7:51:00 AM

Charles, all are welcome, the food is usually first class, and when you go, if you have a "flutter" on the poker machines,, Good Luck. Thank you for your comment, I am not much of a poet, but I enjoy telling stories in rhyme.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/29/2022 11:28:00 PM

It is only right to honor the patriots fallen in defence of their country.

Wendy Horder
Date: 10/29/2022 11:33:00 PM

I am not one to glorify war Victor, but remembering those that suffered or did not return home, is to me definitely a mark of respect that their homeland owes them.

Bill Baker

Date: 10/28/2022 2:11:00 PM

Lovely poem, Wendy, and a nice tribute to those that choose to serve their country in the military so others can remain free. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran and probably would have cried right there in front of everyone. A military funeral with a 21 gun salute always brings tears to my eyes. A poet friend in Texas, Bill

Wendy Horder
Date: 10/28/2022 3:20:00 PM

My Grandfather died in WW1 and my father was awarded the DSM in the navy in WW2. It is a touching moment every night, when all poker machines stop playing all glasses and knives and forks are laid to rest, everyone stands as the lights all over the club go out, and the Ode is spoken in solemn respectful tones, Lest we forget, and the last post is played. Three minutes silence follows, then everything returns to its noisy bustling self. It would touch the most hardened heart I am sure. Thank you for your comment Bill . Bless you.

Wayne Smith

Date: 10/28/2022 1:16:00 PM

Very well done Wendy, as a Veteran I can relate and at that specific moment, I can appreciate that special place as tears for the fallen trickle down my face.

Wendy Horder
Date: 10/28/2022 3:25:00 PM

Thank you for your heartfelt comment Wayne. Please read my comment to Bill Baker as it is meant for you also. No I will write it again here. It is a touching moment every night, when all poker machines stop playing all glasses and knives and forks are laid to rest, everyone stands as the lights all over the club go out, and the Ode is spoken in solemn respectful tones, Lest we forget, and the last post is played. Three minutes silence follows, then everything returns to its noisy bustling self. It would touch the most hardened heart I am sure. Bless you.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 10/28/2022 10:47:00 AM

I "ave"? Pray or have? Enjoyed, Wendy! Aloha!

Rico Leffanta
Date: 10/29/2022 10:56:00 AM

as do the French, but your apostrophe makes all the difference! Yes, as a USAF vet, I enjoyed your poem. My father-in-law was an RAF vet, and the Pont-y-pridd RAF Club followed the same procedure. Aloha!

Wendy Horder
Date: 10/28/2022 11:49:00 AM

'ave ( she is a Pommie_ They drop their H's) Well the Auntie Mavis in my poem does. Glad you enjoyed. ;)