We will remember them

the dawn was still, hushed silence ascended as every kind of people stood side by side. young faces; pretty & fresh, old faces that wore years in beautiful lines. and the pipes sang out breaking the dawn. proud men slightly stooped now, in pressed suits medals & poppies they cried silent tears. younger men stood behind them, eyes not seen what older ones have nor heard the cries of suffering; brothers lost. as voices sang out, a song I did not know I gripped my husbands hand tightly as we hummed. the sun greeted the dawn a light cast on a sea of white; Bomana this sacred ground. the bugul called long & proud the last post & we are washed in gratitude.

*

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them." An excerpt taken from the poem, "The Fallen" by Robert Laurence Binyon.

04/25/2017

Author's Note

I knew vaguely of Anzac Day growing up. It does not have a great presence in the US. Having lived in Papua New Guinea for 2 years now my husband and I attended our first ANZAC Day dawn service. It was a privilege.

Bomana - Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea.

Reviews

[Abby]

vivid scene Izzy - you are gifted in your clarity

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo Abby, I appreciate your visit

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story and journey in your words dear Izzy.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them." An excerpt taken from the poem, "The Fallen" by Robert Laurence Binyon.
The above lines. Classic words and thoughts. Thank you for sharing the powerful words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo John, much appreciation my friend

[Coyote Poetry]

I saw the old places. I saw the death camps in Europe and I saw the miIitary grave sites in Europe. I roamed central and south American. These places make us know. Life isn't free and life is worth something.

[Island Hippy]

I couldn't agree more. Mahalo for your service x

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Beautiful vignette and tribute to fallen brave ones. What price freedom? A steep and bloody one. Sacred sacrifice. Emotional and compelling. I felt this deeply.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Annette I appreciate your thoughtful comment, and time. Mahalo.

[BBP]

Beautiful tribute write here. How often we overlook what must be seen through their eyes and play on repeat in their head.

If anything we owe the soldiers for carrying the burdens we cannot, much less risking their lives to gain these memories.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Bev, I appreciate your comment and absolutely agree, mahalo.

[Mike]

Hi Izzy - I loved how you managed to keep this story about the fallen even though you introduced yourself and your experience in it. Wonderful tribute.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo Mike, I appreciate your comment.

[duff]

Reading this gave me goosebumps. It's an intelligent tribute showing mad respect to the fallen. Another great piece Izzy. Nice work:)

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo duff, I appreciate your words my friend

[duff]

You know it:)

[Gee]

They should never be forgotten.
Couldn't imagine going to war, especially the two world wars where so many were sacrificed.
A well penned, poignant, sombre piece.
I have one posted titled " when death is closer than home " ( I think !! ) which you might like to read., then again, you might not

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Gee, I appreciate your comment. I agree they should never be forgotten. I would love to read your poem. Mahalo

[Stan Lee]

There's nothing quite like getting up in the dark and cold and listening to the last post surrounded by throngs of quiet respectful people. It's an amazing occasion. May we never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who fought for our freedom. Thanks for sharing this piece. Very well written.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo andronicus, I absolutely agree and appreciate your comment.

[Paul Bell]

When people like you make the time for the war dead. In that brief instance they walk beside you.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo Paul, for your great comment I appreciate it.

[Dr. YumnaKay]

"in pressed suits medals & poppies they cried silent tears."

I loved the sentiments of this piece. Your words are soothing and gentle. Very well penned.

[Island Hippy]

Mahalo Yumna

[Dr. YumnaKay]

You're welcome, Izzy. A pleasure always :))