This is a Serious Blog and from my heart!!

Today happens to be Anzac Day!! It is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year!!

The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps!!

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War and commemorates the 60,000 Australians and 18,000 New Zealanders who died during that war. The meaning of the day has been further broadened to include those killed in all the military operations in which the countries have been involved. 

Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand. This is a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name.

Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga.

Anzac Day now promotes a sense of unity, perhaps more effectively than any other day on the National calendar. Veterans and their Families gather at dawn services around the Nations and follow a pattern that is now familiar to generations of Australians, containing the following features: introduction, hymn, prayer, an address, laying of wreaths, recitation, the playing of "The Last Post", a minute of silence, "Reveille", and the playing of both New Zealand and Australian national anthems. 

At War Memorial, following Anzac Day services, families often place artificial red poppies beside the names of relatives on the Memorial's Roll of Honour.

While my dad never fought for Australia or New Zealand, he was a Chief Petty Officer (E7) in the United States Navy for 20 years and is an ally to both countries!! He also serviced the "Vietnam War"!!  

On November 2nd, 1993, he died of a sudden massive heart attack, survived by me and my brother. He was 53 years old!!

This day helps me remember the many years of service my father gave to the the United States Military and brings a sense of his presence back to me.

I miss my dad and love him dearly......Lest We Forget!!