ANZAC Day ... descendants asked to march at the back.
By penny64
@penny64 (1106)
Australia
April 21, 2008 11:04pm CST
The RSL (Returned Soldiers League) has just announced that they would prefer descendants of soldiers to march at the back of ANZAC Day parades, rather than with the soldiers. They argue that there are now so many descendants marching, the actual soldiers are not being properly recognised. On the other hand, the descendants are helping keep the spirit of ANZAC Day alive. What do others think about this?
1 person likes this
1 response
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
22 Apr 08
I tend to agree with it so long as the people who want to march that want to march in honor of someone can march even if it is after the actual old soldiers who actually fought for us get their full applause. I know before my dad passed away he like to watch his regiment come along, he liked to see how many were still there and if he could recognise anyone, I think the ones that put their lived on the line should have full spotlight so to speak then at the end families could march with their photos or what ever...just my opinion...
@penny64 (1106)
• Australia
22 Apr 08
I do see what you mean. It is a shame for soldiers who can't march if they can't see their marching comrades for the crowds of descendants. I agree that the descendants should be allowed to march somewhere. Maybe they could even have two sections under each regiment - one for actual solders followed by one for descendants. That way, as numbers dwindle over time for some regiments, there will still be people remembering that particular regiment. Thanks for your response - it is interesting to hear the opinion of someone whose dad was involved. You must feel very proud on ANZAC Day.
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@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
22 Apr 08
I think the two sections is a good idea but another thing I think is all the soldiers that do march are very old now and a lot of them want to walk and i think by letting the families march with the main stream is that it makes it a long day for some of the old diggers who find it hard to get along these days...
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@penny64 (1106)
• Australia
22 Apr 08
That is very true - then again, some might want their families with them to help them get there and participate. I think that if the soldiers want their families marching, then maybe it should be their choice. It is a very sensitive issue, isn't it?
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