Just for ANZAC Day

Thank you on ANZAC Day

 

As we rise in darkness on this ANZAC Day like those who have 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 Europe, the USA or Dubai

 Or our peacekeepers in South Sudan, Israel and The Sinai

 Perhaps in Lebanon or the Solomons you are called to be,

 Continuing a tradition of service to keep the world free

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

 Working hard to make sure 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 just a sample

 Of the efforts that you go to 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 are not here this year to march along the street

 But it is a special honour to march with foreign soil upon your feet

 For you carry 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

 We will think of you and those you love

 With thanks this ANZAC Day.

 

Jan-Maree Ball OAM