T – The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Today marks 100 years since the ANZACS landed in Gallipoli. To me this song written by Eric Bogle in memory of these brave heroes says it all. The addition of footage from Gallipoli reminds us of the extreme reality of the situation. Every time I hear this song and remember their sacrifices, it brings a tear to my eyes as I am grateful. Today, on this special anniversary, my feelings are even stronger.

Thank you to all who have fought for freedom—not only for Australia but around the world. Without their sacrifices the world as we know it could have been a very different place.

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8 thoughts on “T – The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

  1. I agree a very moving post that sadden me. My father-in-law keeps the photo of himself and other soldiers of World War II on his wall. It was taken during battle as they landed on shore. He is up to his waste in water and you can see the fear in the soldiers eyes. Now, in his 90s – blind and in constant pain from his arthritis – I think the War is what gave him a place of importance in his life. I find this to be sad. His brother was killed. Another friend of my family was MIA and then POW in World War II. He lived a very secluded life with a deep sadness in his eyes. He was a very kind soul but no one heard his story. He buried it deep within and took it to the grave. Thankfully fishing provided him with some peace. I think many times those serving in war have difficulty adjusting back into life at home. Whether their bodies return in tact or not, their minds sometimes never seem to be the same. How could it, our psyche can be fragile and we can’t always forget., especially high emotional situations. My niece’s husband seemed fine when he returned from Iraq however now in his 40s the truth is surfacing. His alcoholism, anxiety, anger, sadness, and frustration rule his world. His family can’t reach inside to save him. There is some inner demon left behind from the war that controls his inner being. Can one heal from this? I’m not sure. So although this was a tribute to the past I think it also is a tribute to the living. I question – do we really need to be fighting all over the world and will there one day be a peaceful existence on our planet. Thank you for sharing!

    • I hope one day that all the fighting will stop and peace will rule. Unfortunately what you describe does seem to be common among the Veterans returning and is being addressed more but only peace will fix the problem.

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