I still hold the Regiment close to my heart, as that was where it all began for me, and look where I am now!
I'll be thinking about the 60th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, and it just seems like yesterday the 60th of Vimy happened.
It would be nice to be back in Regina for the 06 June anniversary, at Wascana Park, where the 28th Bn and the RRR memorials are.
With such a signifigant anniversary, I am sure the Regiment will be very involved.
However I would rather be back on the Normandy Beachead where the RRR came to shore. One day I will.
Sadly as the ranks thin of our Vets, I hope in good commonsense the RCL and the Cdn Govt will follow the footsteps of Australia, NZ and the UK in the wearing of such medals. The tradition must be carried on to the younger generations, who then can wear their relatives medals in respect and honour.
ANZAC Day grows stronger every year, and this is for many reasons, but the relatives of the Diggers who have passed on, wear their medals to honour them, and to recognise the sacrifice of over 100,00 Australians who died in 20th century wars.
Even under warnings from the Aust Govt (
www.dfat.gov.au ) warning Australian citizens not to attend Gallipoli this year do to the terror threat, it is reported that more than ever are returning to ANZAC Cove this year. The spirit will not be smothered, by guttless cowards.
Sadly all ADF personnel have been denied travel to Gallipoli this year for security reasons.
For ANZAC Day tomorrow, I'll be mustering up at the Cronulla RSL
www.cronullarsl.com.au for the dawn service before 0500, I'll have on my CF medals awarded to me, along with WWI medals from my Great Uuncle (267104 PTE RF Allen late of the 28th Bn CEF) who was killed at Passchendaele. I will not be doing the dawn service with my Army unit this year.
My wife Nancy will proudly wear her father's medals, as he was RAAF and fought the Japs at Darwin, NT.
Then off to the city, to march with the RAEME Assn in the City of Sydney, and have a few too many 'tubes' with some old mates from the RAA Assn too, then take the free public train home (free to all soldiers past and present).
Its my last ANZAC Day in Sydney for me, as I am posted in early 05 to Brisbane. We will be enjoying our new home at Pacific Harbour on Bribie Island
www.bribie.com.au
Up The Johns!
Wes