ANZAC Day 2020

Abalinx 25 April 2020 Peter Adamis.       

It is the first time in 102 years since the ANZACS landed at Gallipoli and forged a legend for others to follow. It is also 3208 years since the ancient Greek landed in Troy.  Today, throughout the world Australians and New Zealanders will be commemorating ANZAC Day in a somewhat different setting.  For many will be at home due to the lock down restrictions, standing in front of their driveway or outside their front doors with candles or torches. The light always a symbol of hope is also a sign and of better years to come. A copy of the article may be downloaded by clicking on: ANZAC DAY – PELLANA – LAKONIA GREECE 2020.

We, who are Australian and are overseas, will not forget the sacrifices of those who wore the uniform of their nation, and as such each in our own way will commemorate ANZAC Day.  In this tiny village that I was born in, we have a Hellenic ANZAC Gardens Memorial dedicated to the ANZAC spirit and to all mankind that have taken up arms and died fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today.

The Corona virus now known as COVID-19 has swept the world striking down young and old indiscriminately. To prevent its deadly grasp, nations have taken preventive measure to safe guard their people. Australia and New Zealand have acted accordingly and Greece in its own way has led the world in demonstrating what can be down to look after its citizens.

As a veteran, I promised my mates that I would do whatever it takes to pay tribute to mates of the past, to those who have fallen, to those still serving and to demonstrate that no matter where we are in the world, that the spirit of ANZAC is alive and well. This 15 minutes video was stitched together as a permanent record of ANZAC Day 2020. I apologise for its poor quality, pixels and sound, but under the circumstances its the best that I could do.

I have borrowed extracts of poems from Warrie George Mansford (Brigadier ret) as well as from another veteran Bill Charlton to capture the 2020 ANZAC Day spirit. Those who wish to spread the ANZAC Spirit, please feel to share the post and video. I would like to thank all the participants with a special thank you to Warren Payne for his advice on the sequence. Unfortunately due to lockdown restrictions all the participants’ roles have not been able to be added at this time.

There will be no ANZAC Gunfire breakfast like my dear old friend Bruce Ruxton was famous for putting on; there will be no toasting to dear fallen comrades and there will be no marching with mates for this year. Only the sounds of silence, the candle or torch in the driveway will be seen.

A special mention to all those struggling with illness, are in hospital, are ill or not feeling the best. Be of good cheer, don’t give up and fight the good fight. Life is what it is and we make the best of it while we still can. I am in my place of birth for the same reasons, to give my body the best chances of survival.

God bless and hope to hear from one and all. Regards from Pellana, Lakonia, Greece.

Reference:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqPug-6BQVc&feature=youtu.be

Peter Adamis is a Journalist/Social Media Commentator and writer. He is a retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational, Environmental & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within the parameters of domestic and international political spectrum.  He is an avid blogger and contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News.  He holds a Bachelor   of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), and Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management. Website: abalinx.com