Today is Anzac Day.
In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came
from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.
Observed on 25 April each year, Anzac Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Although the Battle of Gallipoli was a failure with a massive cost in human life and suffering, the courage and bravery of those who fought there continues to be honoured on this day of national remembrance.
It has been broadened to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, and Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.
There is no doubt that the human cost of war is horrific. All involved are impacted in one way or another. Some die. Some are maimed. Some recover. Some do not. Some suicide.
I watched and listened as my father fought against post-war trauma all his life. Back then, as a very young WW2 veteran, there was no understanding of the impact war had on the lives of the soldiers, let alone any kind of treatment.
We honour and respect those who fight for our freedoms and rights. I look forward to the day when there will be no more need for war.
© Raili Tanska
soulgifts - Telling Tales 
Beautifully narrated Raili, and I love your choice of song, quite stirring.
Thank you, Ivor. That song was recorded for Anzac Day 2018
You know we use them here on little cards for Memorial Day the end of May.
I think it’s pretty much a world wide thing, Calen. Apparently the red poppies grow wild in the fields of France where some of the bloodiest battles were fought. As far as I know that’s what started the tradition.
Great post
Thank you 🙂
So sad, there are no winners in war. What a great song and video choice too.
That was written for this year and features some of the most well known and popular singers.
That day will come but it will require more blood shed. Heaven will release a furry like no one has ever seen but there will be peace as a result.
Thank you so much for sharing this, and also because of the link to your previous post about your family. Profoundly moving.
thank you for sharing your thoughts on Anzac Day and the song. Even though I am living here in Australia that was my first time I heard it. thank you again.
I think it was a new release for this year, maybe that’s why.
No need for a war. I wish for that day, too!
🙂
Excellent
Thank you 🙂
Wonderful and thank you for thinking about this and sharing.