Thank you on ANZAC Day 2019

Wherever you will be, whoever you are with, please spare a thought for those serving members who came before us.  They gave their tomorrows so that we might have our today.

And also please spare a thought for those who are serving today, for they are serving for us. 

However you do it, spare a moment to say thank you. 

This is my way of saying thank you. I hope you like it. 

Thank you on  ANZAC Day 2019

As we observe ANZAC Day back here at home, like those who've gone before

You are proudly serving us, far from Australia's shore.

You serve beside the Kiwis and others from foreign land

In baking heat, and biting cold, sticking mud and flying sand.

Whether serving in the desert in Iraq, Dubai or Afghanistan,

Or the peacekeepers in The Sinai, Israel and South Sudan,

Or you might be on the mighty ocean in our ship of grey,

Working hard to make sure drug lords and pirates have a lousy day.

We appreciate your sacrifice and that of those you've left behind.

Though you are far from home, you are often brought to mind.

You are our modern heroes who show us by example.

You mentor, fight and teach and that is but a sample

Of the work you do each day to make the world a better place.

You do the job with pride and honour, we see it in your face.

I am sorry you're not here this year to march along the street

But perhaps it is more meaningful to march with foreign soil upon your feet,

For you carry on the tradition of those who lead the way,

Who are the very reason that we commemorate this day.

Those of us back here will attend the service with the dawn,

We will think of those who gave their lives in uniform proudly worn,

But we will also be so thankful for you who serve today

A proud Australia honours you also on this year’s ANZAC Day.

By Jan-Maree Ball