and I watch the parade pass before me.I see my old comrades, how proudly they march,
Reliving old dreams of past glory.
I see these old men, so battered and worn,
The forgotten heroes of a forgotten war,
And the young people ask me, 'what are they marching for?'
And I ask myself the same question.
And the band plays Waltzing Matilda,
And the old men still answer the call,
But year after year, their numbers get fewer,
Soon no one will march here at all.
Well, they won't be forgotten as long as we have ANZAC day, anyway. Basically, ANZAC Day is like Australian Memorial Day. But, at least for me, it rings a lot truer here because Australia is a much less militaristic society, and a much less flag-waving one, so it doesn't leave quite the same bad taste in my mouth when Aussies come out to do a bit of flag waving for the Diggers once a year. Unfortunately, Australia continues to follow the US into stupid, unnecessary wars which makes it harder for me to get into any day that celebrates the military. But the overwhelming feeling here is one of support for the troops and respect for the veterans and the whole thing is really pretty a-political. That, and the fact that the Australian military also does really cool stuff like peace-keeping in East Timor and a lot ofther places in the region that need the help. Anyway, I'm gonna let the photos just do their thing on this one.
1 comments:
Hey Man,
Great Shots! I was up on the ranges when these guys have (possibly) marched through Launceston/Melbourne's streets, so it does give a true feel of what it was like... i'm just wondering how sincere it is, or how deep it goes, when so many Aussies weren't even born when the great war stories unfolded, or were born overseas, or simply don't regard a militray career as an option for them or their kids. I mean, I have no idea how common is the identification with the veterans and this day in today's Oz.
Funny, but while I was in Tassie, immidialey after asking me about the mandatory military service in Israel, most people have commented that they wish it was the same around here. I agree with you that in many countries (it certianly the case in Israel) militarism is overproportionately celebrated as the societal 'glue', or as the ultimate commitment to one's nation. But maybe people need such glue, perhaps in smaller doses. I mean, aside from supporting the national cricket team, how else do you feel a part of the place you are living in? simply paying your taxes isn't much of a reason to celebrate...
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