On Saturday we pause to remember those Australians who have fallen in conflicts around the world.
April 25 has become a day when we remember not just the devastating conflict at Gallipoli, but all those who have lost their lives in war and conflict.
Despite our distance from war zones, past and present, Penrith has experienced the tragic reality of war. Many of our residents served in WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, and in recent years two Australians from Penrith lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan.
For younger generations it is sometimes difficult to understand why it is with gratitude that we should remember. That answer lies in the benefits of the peace and easy existence which was obtained at the cost of many lives. Few of us have ever experienced what it is like to risk ourselves and loved ones to the dangers of war, these however are unfortunately the memories for some of the older generations of Australians.
The ANZACs were courageous and although the Gallipoli military objective failed, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy.
This year, in unprecedented times, ANZAC services are unable to go ahead as planned. The local Sub-branches of Penrith and St Marys will be holding their services very differently this year and while we cannot attend in person, we can still participate from our homes.
Penrith’s service is being hosted by Vintage FM through a 20-minute Dawn Service broadcast between 5.40am and 6am, with residents able to reflect from home listening to the radio.
St Marys sub-branch is inviting the community to participate in their service by standing in their driveways at 6.00am on ANZAC Day and by going to the Facebook page to listen to a poem, standing respectfully for the Last Post and joining in the singing of the National Anthem.
For more details go to Council’s Facebook page: facebook.com/penrith.city.council.
Lest we forget.
