This is wonderful Denyse. I loved hearing about your family's ANZAC memories. My Dad also didn't think he contributed to the war effort. He arrived in Japan just as the war was over, so didn't see any battles. His batallion stayed for peacekeeping. When he came home he refused to get his medals as the didn't feel that he'd earned them. About 20 years ago I applied for them on his behalf. He still didn't want them, so I have them now. The tragic accident in your family was very sad.
Thank you Jennifer. I am glad you found the story of interest. There are many who served who would not march or even acknowledge the day set aside for commemoration. And noone of us can judge or even know what it was like.
Very little talk of war and war service because of the times that were so politically based.
The Vietnam Vets were treated very poorly and "only" got some kind of welcome home much later.
It is SAD to see what war does to nations and the people.
I understand this about your dad too.
Sigh!
We don't mind recording the stories but they can be hard for some to read.
Thanks Deb! Yes it was a very hard life. And whilst Dad "did good & made a life for himself " his mum never got over the tragedy ... and was sad for most of her life afterwards. Denyse x
What a very interesting story Denyse. I love hearing about the Anzacs, and feel quite emotional when I see the old Diggers marching on Anzac Day. It seems almost a sacred day, to me.
It is a sacred day I agree. I feel it's been part of my heritage even though Dad didn't get to "serve" there was a lot of loss within the family & wider circles. Thank you Kate. Denyse xx
I am pleased you could read and get my message of both love and 'fate', I guess. One reason I was keen to travel to UK was to 'see Sutton Veny' but I have looked on Google Earth etc and have a notion of 'where things started'.
Very grateful for Dad and his sharing too. It seems we are/were both keepers of the family stories. Thank you Jo.
What a beautiful love story Denyse. Sad that your grandfather's accident took his life prematurely though. This was a wonderful way to honour your Dad. I'm sure he'd be very pleased. Thank you for sharing with us at #WWWhimsy xo
Thank you Min. I always get somewhat sentimental around ANZAC Day and it was a good way for me to share. And it was timely to be able to link up! Denyse x
What a lovely tribute, Denyse and isn't it wonderful that you have these photos of your grandfather. My Dad served in WWII in Papua New Guinea and as you know Mike was a Vietnam Vet called up for National Service. I remember in High School as a prefect at NSGHS I attended a ceremony at the War Memorial in Sydney. Our country is free because of the sacrifices these men and women made for us. x
Yes I have one or two images and I am not sure whether Dad ever saw that image of his father as it was from a Wollongong history page. I thank Mike and his mates for all they did under hugely challenging circumstances which of course we know was so wrong. Today my feed is of local school captains and prefects at the Dawn Service at Kellyville. It is a very sombre day to remember our gratitude for all who sacrificed their lives and those who lived/live on carried (and still carry) burdens we will never quite understand.
A lovely and heartfelt memory Denyse - and I can see why your Dad would have liked that poppy painting and poem - your creative talents were definitely on display. x
This is wonderful Denyse. I loved hearing about your family's ANZAC memories. My Dad also didn't think he contributed to the war effort. He arrived in Japan just as the war was over, so didn't see any battles. His batallion stayed for peacekeeping. When he came home he refused to get his medals as the didn't feel that he'd earned them. About 20 years ago I applied for them on his behalf. He still didn't want them, so I have them now. The tragic accident in your family was very sad.
Thank you Jennifer. I am glad you found the story of interest. There are many who served who would not march or even acknowledge the day set aside for commemoration. And noone of us can judge or even know what it was like.
Very little talk of war and war service because of the times that were so politically based.
The Vietnam Vets were treated very poorly and "only" got some kind of welcome home much later.
It is SAD to see what war does to nations and the people.
I understand this about your dad too.
Sigh!
We don't mind recording the stories but they can be hard for some to read.
Take care,
Denyse x
A lovely post Denyse! Thanks for sharing your family's story with us, and share your father's story. What a hard life they must have had.
Debbie #Teamwwwhimsy
Thanks Deb! Yes it was a very hard life. And whilst Dad "did good & made a life for himself " his mum never got over the tragedy ... and was sad for most of her life afterwards. Denyse x
What a very interesting story Denyse. I love hearing about the Anzacs, and feel quite emotional when I see the old Diggers marching on Anzac Day. It seems almost a sacred day, to me.
It is a sacred day I agree. I feel it's been part of my heritage even though Dad didn't get to "serve" there was a lot of loss within the family & wider circles. Thank you Kate. Denyse xx
Thank you for this beautiful love story - and a historical insight. Mostly though I'm glad you were able to capture your father's memories.
I am pleased you could read and get my message of both love and 'fate', I guess. One reason I was keen to travel to UK was to 'see Sutton Veny' but I have looked on Google Earth etc and have a notion of 'where things started'.
Very grateful for Dad and his sharing too. It seems we are/were both keepers of the family stories. Thank you Jo.
Denyse x
What a beautiful love story Denyse. Sad that your grandfather's accident took his life prematurely though. This was a wonderful way to honour your Dad. I'm sure he'd be very pleased. Thank you for sharing with us at #WWWhimsy xo
Thank you Min. I always get somewhat sentimental around ANZAC Day and it was a good way for me to share. And it was timely to be able to link up! Denyse x
What a lovely tribute, Denyse and isn't it wonderful that you have these photos of your grandfather. My Dad served in WWII in Papua New Guinea and as you know Mike was a Vietnam Vet called up for National Service. I remember in High School as a prefect at NSGHS I attended a ceremony at the War Memorial in Sydney. Our country is free because of the sacrifices these men and women made for us. x
Yes I have one or two images and I am not sure whether Dad ever saw that image of his father as it was from a Wollongong history page. I thank Mike and his mates for all they did under hugely challenging circumstances which of course we know was so wrong. Today my feed is of local school captains and prefects at the Dawn Service at Kellyville. It is a very sombre day to remember our gratitude for all who sacrificed their lives and those who lived/live on carried (and still carry) burdens we will never quite understand.
Denyse x
Beautiful post. That sea of poppies really makes your breath catch. Thank you for sharing this x
It was an AMAZING time but sadly not funded to continue after 2016. So much community effort too! Thank you. X
A lovely and heartfelt memory Denyse - and I can see why your Dad would have liked that poppy painting and poem - your creative talents were definitely on display. x
Thank you Leanne. I needed to share it today and am glad it resonated for you too. Denyse x