Tuesday, April 20, 2010

IN HONOUR OF OUR BRAVE DIGGERS - PAST AND PRESENT



































It’s beyond my comprehension the gung-ho behaviour that's displayed by certain elements of our society. I’m constantly disgusted and angered by the violence and lack of respect perpetrated by some sections of today’s youth; despicable, intolerable actions that are insults to human intelligence. I have momentary flashes of optimism, but these disappear rapidly when I hear another report of a shameless, cowardly act.

If it was within my power, my punishment for these louts would be to send them off for a long weekend to Afghanistan to stand beside our troops, and if they re-offend, I’d send them off again for a week-long stay! And if they’re eager for more…a month! If these numbskulls are so keen to fight they should walk in the boots of our fine men and women who have fought in past wars, and of those who are still representing this county on today’s battlefields! Perhaps then they’d fully understand what fighting is all about! Instead of being two-pot screamers or bar-room cowboys they might learn the value of life; their own and that of others.

Thousands upon thousands of our brave Diggers have given their lives, and thousands upon thousands of others have forfeited their souls for their fellow Aussies to have the right to stand tall and be free; strong, proud men and women whose deeds and memories deserve much more from us all…the clowns especially! These brainless cowards who roam our streets bashing, robbing and worse have no idea of the true meaning of “standing by your mate”!

One of the most sobering and emotive times in my life was the day I visited the Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby on PNG’s Remembrance Day, 23rd July, 1987. On their way to Afghanistan, perhaps a visit could be organised for the morons who terrorise innocent others. They could also be given a guided tour of the Kokoda Trail! That would surely get rid of their pent up angst and ignorance!

Can You Hear Australia's Heroes Marching? Lest we forget – lest we forget!

17 comments:

  1. Lee
    Brave and honorable men should always be recognized. Now as to the other point, you are not as tough as I would be. I would send those beggers for a complete tour of duty. Not to return until the fighting is over. Our country is begging to have horrible trouble with gangs. I advocate removing the leaders from earth so the mis guided youth would be saved. I guess you can say this Southern is a hard a--. Peace

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  2. I agree, Lady Di...but I also reckon that these cowards would be shivering in their boots after only a couple of days beside our brave men and women of our Armed Forces...and if upon returning with the thoughts of causing further harm and havoc...send the bastards off again...one way ticket!

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  3. Hear hear or Here here.
    Lest we forget.

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  4. Some of both, I think, Peter! Have a good week. :)

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  5. Most certainly. So many people today have lost sight of the sacrifice brave men and women before them laid down for their luxury and freedom. Too little is done too late to say thank you to those across the world embedded in battle. I have a two cousins in Afghanistan now and though it's not their veteran's day (we're all Americans), my thoughts go out to them anyhow. God knows not enough people are thinking of anyone other than themselves...

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  6. G'Day Lee ~~ Great post for Anzac Day and I agree about the trouble-makers sending them off somewhere where the fights are real, so they don't put our troops into more danger. Thanks so much for your comments and I feel like some of my problem are being sorted out. Be careful yourself, and don't talk yourself into a fall. I have had a few over the years, but now use a walking stick and that gives me some confidence. I am resting and the pain has eased a lot.
    Take great care, my friend,
    Love, Merle.

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  7. So true, Kortney...self-centred, selfish people who have no respect or care for those around them. I know there is a remedy but no one seems to be willing to step up to the plate and put their hands up to fix the problem.

    Hi Merle....I'll do as you say. :)
    Thanks for your good wishes.

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  8. I am proud to say, during my time in Korea in the 50's I met and knew a good number of your Armed Forces, At that time not many people Messed with them. Bless all of "OUR" men in harms way.
    You can check out my other Blogs, feel free to use anything you see that someone may enjoy, really nice to hear from you. Your absence was dully noted! Good Luck

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  9. Great to hear from you Willie...I most definitely will visit your blogs...thanks.

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  10. HI Lee
    Australian troops at Gallipoli suffered 25,000 casualties, before final evacuation in Dec of that year- as you well know - to create the notion of the ANZAC spirit and our Nations spirit. Ideals of courage, endurance and mate ship were etched into a fledgling nation’s consciousness.
    It’s a sobering thought to realize in the Great War of 1914 to 1918 over 300,000 young Australians volunteered to defend what was “Mother England” from a total population of only around 3 million, with 66% either killed or returning incapacitated.

    On a positive note however many of our younger generation wants to learn of this history and to understand how it impacted in their communities. School Children learn of their equivalents then, since many lied about their age (typically only 16) on enlistment. They do the detailed research of the families and where they fell; even some visit their gravesites in Turkey to “live” that history. It becomes very emotional for them, influencing their future lives to the better. It’s as if the ANZAC consciousness urges them to live each moment to the full for "Nothing is certain, only the certain spring."
    Best wishes

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  11. I do know all of that, Lindsay. A young friend of mine visited Gallipoli a few years ago. Another friend of mine visited Fromelles back in 2008 and he's over that way again now visiting the grounds of the Western Front. I always attend the Dawn Service on Anzac Day...and supply them with loads of rosemary to hand out, and always as children my brother and I attended the Anzac parades and made chrysanthemum wreaths to hang on the Memorial Gates in Gympie.

    I hope our younger generations, present and future continue to learn about this history...it's very important that they do.

    It's the idiots amongst our society that anger and disgust me...and they are the ones that need discipline. They should be conscripted and learn how to be men!

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  12. SALUTE!!
    The brave men of our countries are why we enjoy our freedoms. Not some over paid attorney.
    Great, great post. Thanks

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  13. G'day Cliff...Anzac Day is a very important day down this way, one full of emotion and nation pride. I was up bright and early to attend the Dawn Service...something I do every year. Thanks for your visit. :)

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