Every year on ANZAC day I take the time to reflect.
So many of our young men gave their lives for our freedom. They fought and died for us, and some were captured and tortured. Yet they pushed on, and it has been said that without the Aussie spirit and comradeship, some would not have had the will to go on.
My Great Grandfather, Lionel Oliver Gordon Cripps, fought in the 2/26th 8th battallion. He was captured as a Prisoner Of War, and was forced to work on the Burma Railroad. He was one of the lucky ones, he made it home. Many weren't so lucky.
In the same camp, was none other than Sir Weary Dunlop. My Nan was telling me today how he would use the littel tin spoons the Japanese gave them to eat with to scoop out infected wounds and abscesses, because the guards refused medical treatment. If a soldier fell beside the railway, Sir Weary Dunlop would cause a diversion, so that he would get the beatings instead of his comrade. It makes me proud to know that I am a descendant of a great man who served with another great man, and all the other great men of the time.
The special link I have with my Great Grandfather, is that I was born on his birthday, and although I have never met him and he is since deceased, I have felt his presence on several occasions.
To all our service men and women, both in the past and the present, I say THANKYOU. I am just one voice, but I mean it with all my heart.
I am proud to be Australian. Lest We Forget.
Unknown "11. NOT FOR SALE" Sad
- 16 years, 8 months, 7 days ago
