LEST WE FORGET

Today in many villages, towns and cities across the world, services will be held to pay respect to and remember, with love and thanks, those brave members of the Australian and New Zealand forces who lay down their lives for their country. The ANZAC tradition of courage, determination and mateship, was established during World War I on 25 April, 1915, when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. It was the start of a campaign that lasted eight months and resulted in approximately 25,ooo Australian casualties (almost 8,000 fatal). It is appropriate to note here, that the Australian States only became a nation with Federation in 1901.


In 1916, the first anniversary of the landing was observed in Australia, New Zealand, England, and by troops in Egypt. That year, April 25 was officially named 'ANZAC DAY' by the acting Australian Prime Minister, George Pearce.


Today, we remember those who served, not only in WWI (1914-18), but also World War II (1939-45), The Korean War (1950-53), and The Vietnam War (1962-75) as well as those in Peace Keeping Forces throughout the world. (apologies to any not mentioned)



We are thankful, as a nation, not only to those who lay down their lives, but also to those who were so greatly affected, both mentally and physically by the terrors of war. Thankyou to all who served in whatever capacity.

'They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

LEST WE FORGET.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for those, mainly, young men and women who forfeited their lives in the wars of this world so that future generations would have a hope of living in freedom. It has been said, Father, that maybe only ten percent of those who served, knew Jesus as their Saviour but we pray that they may have influenced others to accept Jesus Christ into their lives.

As we remember, especially, those who gave their lives for the sake of others, help us to remember and be thankful to Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that all who believe on His name shall not perish, but have Eternal Life and be seated in the Heavenly realms. Amen.