A girl and her Poppy

I have to admit that ANZAC day has not traditionally been a big part of my life. Both my parents are Italian and although we have a great respect for the ANZACs we have never been to a dawn service or a parade. My Father in Law, however was in the Navy from 1958 to 1970 and his father was also in the navy. Today for the first time, Miss 7 got to march with her Pop in the ANZAC day parade here in G town. She was so excited and she got to wear her Great Grandfather’s medals. (She told me that she had to wear them on the right hand side because she didn't earn them). She was as proud as punch - what a wonderful opportunity and honour.

Below is a pic of her Great Grandfather's medals. His name was Henry Joseph and he was in the Royal Navy for both the 1st and 2nd world wars. This has really inspired me to start to research our family tree. There is so much that needs to be recorded. On a side note, he apparently helped to build the Great Ocean Road and they worked largely just using picks and shovels! Imagine!

Explanation of medals above

When I was parent helper at school this week the kids were learning about ANZAC day and read a story about a girl and her Pop and why he was sad. I was intrigued to hear how talking about war would be handled with a bunch of 7 year olds. They talked about fighting with other countries and about soldiers being brave and in their works "kind and caring". I just can't believe how much our world has changed in the last couple of generations. My mum, who is only 61, remembers the milk being delivered in a horse and cart! Seriously!

I am grateful that my girls will grow up hearing Poppy's stories. We must write them down.

Lest we Forget.

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