ANZAC 2

As spoken by Teresa Gambaro 25/4/2007

I wish to leave you this morning with a poem ‘Not A Hero’ by Clyde Hamilton, about a young boy meeting an old digger following an Anzac Day march:

“The ANZAC Day march was over – the old Digger had done his best.
His body ached from marching – it was time to sit and rest.
He made his way to a park bench and sat with lowered head
A young boy passing him saw him – approached politely said:
‘Please Sir, do you mind if I ask what the medals you wear are for?
Did you get them for being a hero, when fighting in the war?’

“Startled, the old Digger moved over and beckoned the boy to sit,
Eagerly, the lad accepted – he had not expected this!
‘First of all I was not a hero,’ said the old Digger in solemn tone
‘But I served with many heroes, the ones that never came home.
‘So when you talk of heroes, it’s important to understand,
‘The greatest of all heroes gave their lives defending this land.

“The medals are worn with honour, as a symbol of respect.
‘All Diggers wear them on ANZAC Day – it shows they don’t forget.’
The old Digger then climbed to his feet and asked the boy to stand.
Carefully, he removed the medals and placed them in his hand.
He told him he could keep them – to treasure through his life,
A legacy of a kind – left behind – paid for in sacrifice.

“Overwhelmed, the young boy was speechless – he couldn’t find words to say
It was there the old Digger left him – going quietly on his way
In the distance, the young boy glimpsed him – saw him turn and wave goodbye
Saddened, he sat alone on the bench – tears welled in his eyes
He never saw him ever – but still remembers with pride
When the old Digger told him of heroes and a young boy sat and cried.”

On Anzac Day – Lest We Forget

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