Well for most Americans in this day the dying generation is sadly World War II vets. Now, in America WWII vets are known as the greatest generation. Since such programs like the History Channel and other similar programs came into existence the stories of the brave heroes live on. But one problem arises World War I. Now, most people know little or nothing at all about WWII except the obvious answer that it was before WWII. I myself has never really gotten into WWI other than learning about Patton and Snoopy and the Great Barren. But one song evoked some emotion to this subject.
I was walking back from class and the song The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. Its a tragic song about a Australian rover who was drafted into the war. He speaks about going to war in the battle of Gallipoli, while fighting the Turks. He describe the devastation to where 50,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers died. Which in itself is astonishing to think about. The Iraq and Afghanistan as horrible as they are have not suffered the same amount of casualties as this one battle.
The main character 'survived' the battle. His world was forever changed tho when a Turkish shell 'knocked him head over arse' When he awoke from his hospital he found out that he had no more legs. A classic and bone chilling line from the song is 'I never knew there was worse things than dying' Obviously this man has to suffer for the rest of his life both physical and mentally. When he finally gets home nobody is there waiting for him. But he Thanks Christ nobody is there waiting for him.
Every April, (25th) he watches the from him porch and watches the (ANZAC) parade pass. He sees his old comrades while the youth does not know why they are marching. Which is sad to think about. Granted the parade I assume was around the 1970's because thats when the song was made. But its scary to think about the sacrifice that WWI vets gave both voluntarily and involuntarily but the little amount of appreciation they got from it. Being in the shadow of WWI. 'The Great War" didn't last the test of time. As the sons of Australia and the Allied nations suffered more within the next couple of decades.
One question remains. Although tomorrow April, 25th is ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day a fading holiday commemorating the sons of Australia and New Zealand who fought/died in the battle or Gallipoli. But how do we remember those of past wars fought like WWI. Sure we have Memorial Day and Veterans Day but what is it? Its a family holiday where maybe if were in the right place at Gaelic Park we will see a 10 minute service. Where are the parades of those who fought in WWI,WWII, Korea, Vietnam? Or do we just leave it up to AMC to show John Wayne type movies to 'honor' them?
ANZAC Day April 25th
Thought of the Day:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFCekeoSTwg
