I shared a special moment with my daughter this morning. I bought her a copy of The Beach They Called Gallipoli by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley last night, and we sat down together to read it. Before we began, I commented on how young the soldiers were. “They were mostly boys,” she replied sadly. She talked about the nurses who served and comforted, and the power of crimson poppies to represent the sacrifice of the ANZACS. It was a challenge, trying to explain war when I don’t understand it myself. It was easier to highlight sacrifice and outstanding courage. “I want to go to the dawn service on ANZAC DAY,” she said. “Me too,” I replied. It is a beautiful book, published on this, the centenary.
I’m glad we don’t know the horrors of war; must mean we’re doing something right, at least in our countries. Hopefully the world will catch up ^_^ Must check this book out.
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Great idea she will remember going to the Dawn Service for the 100th Anniversary always. My grandfather was a lighthorseman there but sadly I can’t really remember him as he lived in the country and I didn’t see him often and of course I was young maybe 7 when he passed away. When the little one is older she may also enjoy the poem In Flanders Fields I saw a beautifully illustrated book for children with the poem it was gorgeous, a young soldier with a little bird in one part. Let me know if you want the details and I can track it down, Jo xxx (we will be in Melbourne on Anzac Day)
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