Leave ANZAC Day Alone
A very special sacred day to salute our fallen from the first to the last
To reflect on glorious deeds and sacrifice from our proud past.
To confirm national identity, and all as one standing tall
From opulent castles to far distant bush huts with cooee calls
Parades from coast to coast, and in foreign land too
We salute our fallen who gave all, for me and you.
Shame on leaders who speak as Gods from well protected thrones
Who talk of them and us and not we with flawed judgement in godly tones
Readily distort our military past to infer racism and its shame is far from dead
Ignoring today’s military proud cry; “We all wear the same-coloured thread”
The constant sound of Didgeridoos now dominates where tranquillity has been
Our proud flag is now one of many in what is becoming a carnival scene
It’s time for all RSL Ceasars to roll up their sleeves, for all to see
To guard against distortion of our proud history
Our very special One Day of the Year is slowly being stolen by a few
To placate a noisy mob blowing smoke and constant welcomes too
If there is to be a greeting, then let it be for all to hear and see
As a salute to all our heroes who gave all to keep our country free.
We are as one
George Mansford
©April 2023
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I watched the ANZACS marching proud and tall
Then cheered their sons and daughters when they too answered the call
I knew many of the fallen from wars that followed be they lost or won
Always the columns and our beloved nation were as one
Yet now with dark clouds gathering and an urgent need to stay united together
Politicians publicly distort the ANZAC Theme and wave a toxic blunt knife to sever
Proud history, unity and a constant call “To be as one’” forever and ever.
It’s time to send our political suits on a one way ticket for the ”Never Never’’
George Mansford
May 2023
FILE PHOTO: Members of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) participate in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Talil, Iraq, 2008. Photo by Brian Hartigan.
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