It is Anzac Day (in Australia at the moment, tomorrow for me) and every year I pay tribute to those who have fallen for their country and gave their life in sacrifice of our freedoms. What is more poignant for me this year as it is my first Anzac Day out of Australia. Normally I would of been shivering in Martin Place at dawn service, getting ready for the march putting on my Grandfathers medals (which I have the miniatures with me mind you). Instead I spent my morning this morning heading into work.

But it doesn’t meant that I don’t feel any different about the day. This day will ALWAYS be about my Grandfather and his brothers. Both his real brothers and his brothers in arms. My Grandfather was a member of the 2/2nd Machine Gun Battalion during World War 2. He was in that unit along with 2 of his 3 brothers. The 4th brother was also in the war but I believe he was on a headquarters staff (I am sure my cousin Lindy can help me there). All 4 of the Stewart brothers (my mums maiden name) all returned unharmed back to Australia after the war. Amazing achievement when you come to think of it.

So on this day we pay tribute to those who fought and did their part for our freedoms. I find the best way to say it is a quote from “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon. Written in 1914 to commemorate the World War 1 fallen

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

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.

From Anzac Day 2012