Anzac Day

by Monty Edwards

They fought for freedoms we hold dear

And paid an awful price.

They faced the foe and conquered fear

To make their sacrifice.

Today we honour those who died,

And others who returned,

Who with their fellows, side by side

True comradeship had learned.

May all who love Australia fair,

Both here and far away,

Ourselves aspire to gladly serve

Through sacrifice today.

• Submitted in response to Poetry Prompt #17 ‘Lest we forget’.

Author Comment:  It’s fitting that we honour the courage and sacrifice of past generations of Australian service personnel and citizens, but I believe our nation’s future largely depends on how we personally respond to their example in meeting the challenges facing our society today.