Tag Archives: Flowers

ANZAC Day – Local Councils have lost the spirit & don’t care…

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As a former member of the Defence Force (Army), I proudly help and am a member of an RSL (Returned & Services League) Sub Branch. I proudly attend and help out at the Dawn Service and proudly march wearing my medals and the medals of both my Grandfathers and Uncle as well as march in the memory of my late Father who also served in the Military when he was younger – Our family has a history of serving in the Military over many generations, signing up in several countries: England, Canada and Australia (me).

How Disrespectful: Whilst trying to help organise ANZAC Day we were required to acquire barriers for the road. Now normally the local Government Council assist however this year when we inquired we were told by them and I quote: “ANZAC Day is not a Community Event – sorry”. Wait a minute isn’t ANZAC Day a Public Holiday Australia wide??

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To top it off, they said they cannot help with the barriers, hang on a sec… the barriers are to protect those marching including Veterans from WWII onwards and the military vehicles that carry many of them. It also allows spectators to line up to show there appreciation of those that served in various conflicts and those that continue to do so for this countries freedom.

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The Government has made cut backs so guess what – No flyover by the RAAF or involvement in the march and Catafalque Party to mount the Catafalque, as there was nothing in the budget for this – at least we had a months notice (big deal) oh and no band except a lone piper (thanks). As you can see by the 2012 march we had a pipe band and RAAF!

A Brief History: ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. The bravery of all military personnel who participated in this campaign and the lives of those who died in all military actions are remembered.

Many ceremonies, parades and other activities are held on ANZAC Day to remember the lives of those who participated or died in military action. Dawn prayer or church services are a particularly important aspect of ANZAC Day.

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These represent the comradeship that the soldiers experienced as they rose each morning to prepare for another day of military action. After the services, gunfire breakfast (coffee with rum in it) is often served.

In major cities and many smaller towns, parades, marches and reunions of current and past military personnel and memorial services are held. The fourth stanza or verse of a well known poem, known as The Ode, is read aloud at many ceremonies. The poem is called “For The Fallen” and was written by Laurence Binyon in 1914. It commemorates those who died and can never grow old.

I guess I have rambled, raved on long enough cept to say that I am disgusted by some peoples attitudes especially when they are supposed to represent the Government of a country be it state or federal which ultimately is supposed to represent the people. Real heroes don’t wear capes they wear dog tags. We might retire or leave the Military but “Once a soldier always a soldier” and ask anyone - if we were asked to serve our country again we would!

Before I finish, I would like to quote a Soldiers Creed which has been used by several nations/countries as it rings true:

Till next time – Leigh

To all a Happy Valentines Day and a Happy Valentines Day to all

Valentines Day, that special day where you get to feel and show love without being accused of being a woos well you know… not being a man. Now of course if you don’t show it in some way – well lets just say even in summer its cold sleeping outside….

Every year, the 14th of February has millions across the world scrambling to present their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts and god forbid if you forget.

Your partner/wife/girlfriend etc might say it’s alright don’t worry about valentines day it’s just another day, don’t believe them women are romantics even if they don’t show it… if you forget you’re toast, your history and the subject of conversation with her friends.

It goes a little like this… “my hubby got me chocolates wasn’t that sweet, what did yours get you??” ”I told him not to worry about it” “I see he forgot didn’t he!” her reply comes in tears – ‘YES’

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See what I mean you’re toast!! On the other hand if you remember even with something small and you weren’t reminded then instant brownie points.

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In many countries, restaurants and such are filled with couples who are eager to celebrate theirrelationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines. There hardly seems to be a young man or woman and even some that are not so young who are not keen to make the most of the day.

People in secret send a message of ‘Happy Valentines Day’ to the person they admire without saying who it is from thus saving a possible rejection (thats sad really but I understand, I do truly – Leigh)

I remember in school (yes I remember somethings) notes used to fly around the room with tick yes or no on them but without a name so you didn’t know who it was from – ah romance.

For those that like to celebrate Valentines Day, have a wonderful Valentines Day and for those who no longer have a partner just remember the memories and happy times they brought into your life.

Till next time – Leigh (now where’s the chocolate yummmm)

A good week yet a sad week and the memories it brings…

Last Friday was the 24th of August and so what I hear you say… well that particular Friday my brother turned 50 (a happy occasion?) yet I couldn’t travel interstate as I had to have several viles of blood taken for numerous tests, have an e.c.g. plus more. As I have a lump on my lung and keep getting pneumonia they are still deciding what to do – hence all the tests.

Monday brought about the C.T. Scan, chest X-ray and comparisons to the previous scans, anyway I won’t bore you with the details needless to say there will be follow up appointments, tests and things to do.

That Friday tho the 24th was also the 1st anniversary of my mates (Brian) missus Kell, passing from Cancer which I wrote under the title “Cancer Sucks fair dinkum” it is hard to believe that a year has passed since then. Brian true to his promise is still looking after Kells kids, is still providing a stable and loving home and still doing what he can to ensure they have a decent life.

You think that because you are going through different things which in my case are health issues they are important which really they are but, losing someone and trying to carry on is really difficult especially when they are family as it means you can no longer tell them things and the things you did want to say – well it is maybe too late.

Never take things or people for granted cause one day they just might not be there… then it will be too late – I know because losing my father was hard enough on me and still is however I see how it still affects my mum, they had 51yrs of marriage.

To Brian mate, I understand your pain and to Kel you were a lovely and kind person who really was way too young only 42 years of age. The picture below is how we will remember you, full of life.

Kell Heffernan (1969 – 2011) aged 42yrs RIP

Happy Valentines Day to all and to all a Happy Valentines Day

Valentines Day, don’t you love it, the chance to feel and show love without being accused of being soft, the day that if you don’t show it – well lets just say its cold sleeping outside….

Every year, the 14th of February has millions across the world presenting their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts. In many countries, restaurants and such are filled with couples who are eager to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines. There hardly seems to be a young man or woman who is not keen to make the most of the day.

People in secret send a message of ‘Happy Valentines Day’ to the person they admire without saying who it is from thus saving a possible rejection (thats sad really – Leigh)

The reason behind all of this is a kindly cleric named Valentine who died more than a thousand years ago. Valentine is believed to have been executed on February 14, 270 AD.

The story of St. Valentine has two different versions – the Protestant and the Catholic one. Both versions agree upon Saint Valentine being a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young men and was executed by the latter.

When Claudius became the emperor of Rome, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. He believed that marriage made the men weak. So he issued an edict forbidding marriage to assure quality soldiers.

Thus 14th February became a day for all lovers and Valentine became its Patron Saint. It began to be annually observed by young Romans who offered handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, on this day to the women they admired. With the coming of Christianity, the day came to be known as St. Valentine’s Day.

Not everybody acknowledges or accepts Valentines Day. Sadly last year on Valentine’s Day (2011), Malaysian religious authorities arrested more than 100 Muslim couples concerning the celebration ban. Some of them would be charged in the Shariah Court for defying the department’s ban againsts the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

So for the rest of us tho – a Happy Valentines Day to all and to all a Happy Valentines Day