Fatty and I have just finished watching a movie about the battles fought by Australian troops against the Japanese, along the Kokoda trail, in Papua New Guinea. I am still reeling. I simply did not know the details of this almighty fight.
And oh, what a fight the Aussies fought - outnumbered 10 to 1, in heat and mud, with leeches and biting insects; battling dysentery and tropical ulcers as fearsome as the enemy. I am humbled by the fortitude of these Australian men. Not only did they mount a courageous defence, they forced the Japanese to retreat, and saved our country from almost certain Japanese invasion from the north.
I am reminded of the incredible debt my generation owes to these earlier generations - to the soldiers who were killed or wounded (in body or in mind), to their wives and sweethearts who lost partners, to the soldiers' mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.
I hope that somehow they know that I am thinking of them tonight; that all they gave was not in vain; that they are remembered and revered.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
9 comments:
I'm a history buff.
You cannot change your future if you don't understand your past.
Thank goodness for the Vets.
We will always remember them, I hope!
What a touching, heartfelt post in honor of those brave men and women from your nation. I'm sure they fought the good fight all the while singing Waltzing Matilda and thinking of those they left behind. It's good that you and your generation remember.
It is truly awesome to think of what those brave soldiers did for us.
Lovely post and a good reminder for us all.
We will remember.
My father, who is 90, was a soldier in the army during that war. He was up in Darwin, not in Papua New Guinea. Thank God for those brave men who kept the Japanese army out of Darwin and the rest of your (my) country.
It's good to be educated in the history of the battles they fought so hard to win. I'd like to see that movie. What's the name of it Jelly?
Yes, we'll certainly remember them and all those who fought (or are still fighting) for our freedoms.
Jelly,
Incredible, the sacrifice made. If only the message crossed all continents and peoples, just maybe we could live in peaceful co-existance."Pvt. Ryan" brings me 'round from time to time.
My own time in Vietnam fostered a dislike for weapons, guns in particular. I do have a pocket knife, but that's the extent of it.
rel
P.S. I've lived in some of the world's biggest cities, and that's why I chose to live in a buclic, rustic village. It suits me, and I liked the help in raising my children, if you know what I mean. ;-)
It is good to be reminded of our past, to be brought out of our nice little safe cocoon we have wrapped around us, to remember those who helped to make us safe.
Your so right. Whenever I see film of young soldiers as they went off to the 2 World Wars, I could weep. Most of them were so young - only boys with their whole lives ahead of them. Yet, they didn't hesitate to do what was needed, and so many paid with their lives.
I could cry for their families, too, as I think how I would feel if it was my son going off to war.
Yes, we are thankful for these brave men and women, and so thankful that we've have not had to experience the same. Unfortunately, too many of our young folk are yet again involved in war.
May God bless them all and keep them safe.
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