Valour
The solemn silence of peace,
The marches we watch from the sidelines.
We remember the soldiers who fought, died and are still fighting.
The twenty-one-gun salute, we all stand and remember.
Official medals, poppies and rosemary all pinned on my chest.
As we walk towards the memorial I get shivers down my spine, like my Great-Grandfather and his Father are looking down at me saying how proud they are of me.
The Reveille, Last Post and Ode still have the power to bring me to tears.
The laying of the Wreath, the rising of the sun behind the memorial all factors that make ANZAC Day a day to remember.
As we line up to march for our ancestors, we here the Spitfires, Chinooks and Jets fly overhead.
The ceremonial marching drums sound as we begin to slowly walk down the stretch of street.
I begin to stand tall, I am proud to wear my families War Medals; I am honoured to march alongside all of these people walking.
As we walk in guarded ranks I remember the sacrifice all the soldiers made, leaving their families and friends to go to a distant land and fight.
Many not returning, leaving widows to look after offspring.
I shed a tear, as I walk down the road behind veterans who knew my Great-Grandfather.
At the end of the road, I see my Great-Grandfather and his Father standing on the side of the road, smiling and waving at me, I blink and their gone.
Now the tears begin to run like a slow stream running down a smooth hill.
As we turn the corner and head towards the memorial I see my Mum, Dad, Sisters and Brothers and My Grandad and Grandma all standing proud wiping a tear from their face.
As we march gracefully and stop in front of the memorial and halt.
We pause and bow our heads; we remain silent for one minute and salute.
As we turn back towards the crowd, I am given a red poppy to lie beneath the plaque.
I turn and walk towards the crowd to stand with my family,
As the National Anthem is played I begin to weep.
The Last Post stops.
The Drums stop.
The Marching comes to a halt.
We all freeze and remember the sacrifice that the ANZACs, Servicemen and Servicewomen who are fighting and who have fought their battles.
Valour
Like 0 Pin it 1
Support CosmoFunnel.com
You can help support the upkeep of CosmoFunnel.com via PayPal.
Comments
Thank You! Thank God everyday for those that stand up and say, "No" They fight and they sometimes do not return. So sad and so wonderful at the same time for us! God bless all the service men and women and all that wear a uniform! Anthony
Thank Anthony,
Australian Soldiers don't get much recognition for their bravery and courage except for on ANZAC Day.
Beautiful write and have only one word, due to your powerful,realistic rendition of the mind set of the soldier and that is "HERO."When venture into the dictionary and search the meaning of soldier, from some reason, the word "HERO"seems to take form and discombobulate the man written definition....Hey Austen do you have a relative in the armed services, if so, you did them proud with this poem and even if you did not,you have placed them (all), on the pedestal where they belong....
Great Job,
Jim
Outstanding write Austen,
JIM
Thank You Jim,
I currently don't have any relatives in the armed forces but my Great-Great Grandfather fought in World War I and my Great-Grandfather fought in World War I. I marched on ANZAC with all the Veterans it greatly moved me to walk alongside all of those heroes.
You Austen has placed yourself in the annals of our history, in that march and what a rush, i am sure you felt being there....I gave the (Army) (6) years and was glad that i was able to serve...So i as one, join you in honoring your Grandfather, whom fought in World War (I) and your Great-Grandfather, whom fought in World War (I) as well and send to them, my gratitude....
High regards,
Jim