The Anzac Day Parade

A t the annual marching of the ANZAC PARADE the band marched to the tune of "Waltzing Matilda", followed by a long column of men.

A father and his small son stood there amongst the crowd
His son, like most inquiring young minds, spoke in the innocence of the child.

Daddy! Why are all these people standing here?
My boy! He replied. They are here with us to watch the ANZAC day parade?

Oooh!
Daddy! What's an ANZAC?
My boy! They are past soldiers; Aussie and Kiwis who got that name when they fought in the WW1 they are still called that name by our people to describe our present soldiers who also celebrate this special day?

Oooh!
Daddy! What's a special day?
MY boy! A special day is something important like a war that happened a long time ago and our country wish to remember and celebrate.

Oooh!
Daddy! Why do we remember?
My boy! It's to honor all our comrades, in all wars since, and for those who gave their lives so that we can live ours in peace?

Oooh!
Daddy! Why are all those old men shuffling and walking slowly?
My boy! They are now old proud men who were once young and strong like us?

Oooh!
Daddy! Why is that man marching and holding that other man's arm?
My boy! He must have been wounded or hurt during the war.

Oooh!
Daddy! What is that thing that man is holding above his head?
My boy! That is our Australian flag.

Daddy! What is a flag?
Silence.

The boy went on.
Silence.

Daddy! What is? ---

Daddy! Why are you crying?