May our thoughts be with you

For Australia and New Zealand, April 25th 1915 is a day we are immensely proud of. Proud of the soldiers (most of them just kids) who went to a foreign land to defend us and the Mother Country from the enemy.

Sadly we lost 8,000 young men and our Nation's innocence in the Gallipoli Campaign. We commemorate ANZAC Day not only for the soldiers who lost their lives on the shores of Turkey in World War I but to take the opportunity to thank all the men and women who have spent a lifetime defending Australia so we are free.

I also like to reflect and think of family members who served other countries over the years as well. My Great Grandfather on my Father's side apparently worked closely with the Tartan Pimpernel which, even if it isn't true (it's all classified), is a great tale nevertheless. My Mother's family came from Malta and if any Nation knows about bravery it is them.

Now I usually waffle on about music so let's get on to that. There are numerous songs about war both for and against. But to recognise the sombre occasion I present to you one of my favourites. It isn't about the ANZAC's which may ruffle feathers but the theme is universal.

It is also both profoundly sad and beautiful at the same time.

Houses On The Hill - Whiskeytown

Well I found a bunch of letters that were written for the fella who broke your momma's heart
And the envelope folds, smelled of her ancient perfume
I'll bet she didn't know how to respond before the blankets of snow
Caught him out wandering alone with no place to go

There were stars in the sky
There were houses on the hill
And there were bottles of pills that were easy to buy
To keep her warm from the oncoming storm

Well I found them in the northwest corner of the attic in a box labeled "tinsel and lights"
Didn't know what I was I looking for maybe just a blanket or artifacts
Eisenhower sent him to war, he kept her picture in his pocket that was closest to his heart
And when he hit shore, must have been a target for the gunmen

There were stars in the sky
There were bunkers on the hill
And there were caskets to fill where he would lie
Shrouded in the red white and blue with the stripes

There were stars in the sky
There were houses on the hill
And there were bottles of pills that were easy to buy
To keep her warm from the oncoming storm