Lest We Forget

April 25th: one of Australia’s most celebrated holidays of the year. While an emotional experience for many, Anzac Day is a time where Australians and New Zealand’s come together to silently honor and remember the many men and women who, over the years, have died because of the wars. Proudly yet silently we reflect on our history through the memorial services and traditions that we participate in annually.

The History

The ANZACS (Australian New Zealand Armed Corps) forces were involved in the Boer War, WWI and II, and the Vietnam War. During WWI, in 1915, the Anzacs, with backup help from the British, were part of a risky scheme to send supplies to the Russians, which involved sailing through Turkey (enemy ground). Through a mix-up of information, the Anzacs, throwing their full effort into climbing up near-vertical cliffs, were accidently positioned right in the middle of the Turkey Army’s strong point. Many men were killed. Wounded men lay struggling. Survivors eventually evacuated. Although tragically defeated, the Anzacs’ cheerful and courageous spirit to ‘never say die’ was marked on that day. Continually those men fought with a determined, loyal and positive attitude that is surely one to be proud of. That’s why we honour them on the 25th of April, at a dawn service on a hill… just like in 1915.

The Traditions

Imagine this: At the crack of dawn, the bugle mournfully blows The Last Post. While the flag rests half-way down the flagpole, a full minute of silence falls over the people gathered on the hill, both traditions held in honour and in memory of the brave ANZACS who fought for our freedom. Throughout the cities and towns, marches and memorial services are held… to help us remember. Veterans gather together. Wreaths are laid. Soldiers proudly salute. Thankfully, tenderly, triumphantly, this is how we remember the Anzacs on ANZAC day.

The Reason behind the Traditions:

At dawn in 1915, the Anzacs swiftly landed on the beaches of Gallipoli. Because it is such a memorable part of WWI for the Australians and New Zealanders, that’s the day we gather on Anzac Day.
For part of the duration of the service, the Australian flag is lowered to half-way in commemoration of the people who died.
Another Anzac-related ‘tradition’ is the Anzac biscuits. During the wars, the mothers and wives of the soldier’s wanted to support their boys, so they baked these yummy biccies which wouldn’t break when travelling overseas.

Anzacs remained cheerful comrades and loyal companions who never gave up their love for their country and each other. With a spirit of perseverance, thousands of young men charged out to the battlefront, many never to return. These men and women would have rather died than see their country lose its freedom – even if it meant they never personally saw their dream come true. So on Anzac day, Australians and New Zealanders come together to honor these soldier’s die-hard spirit, commemorate their loyalty, devotion and determination, and remember our home is the unique, free place it is today because they never gave up.
Lest we forget.

Miss Jessica is a 14year old homeschool girl who lives in Australia. She loves the Lord and enjoys music, reading, history, computers and sewing. Jessica has a warped sense of humour and is always ready for a giggle. She helps her mum around the home and participates in the local church music team. You can find out more about Jess at her blog Little Miss Giggle.

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Navy Day

On Friday, October 13, 1775 the United States Navy’s foundations were formed. It all started with two sailing vessels, outfitted, manned, and sent out for 3-month deployments. From these modest beginnings eventually grew our modern day Navy. Now the Navy has over 300,000 active personnel and has a fleet that includes aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare vessels, surface vessels and submarines.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1775 The U.S.. Navy was originally called the Continental Navy and started during the American Revolution.

1789 Constitutional provision for Congress to “provide and maintain a Navy”.

1794 Congress first uses the power given by the 1789 constitutional provision and manned six frigates in response to an international crisis.

1798 Department of the Navy established. Prior to this the Department of War was solely responsible for the Navy.

1814 Naval Regulations Established

1911 Official Defining of Many Naval Terms

1932 Articles for the Government of the Navy

1940 Naval Expansion Act

1941 The Navy’s involvement in World War II, beginning with the attack on Pearl Harbor, brought it into international recognition.

TRADITIONS: From the uniforms to the terminology to the signals of whistles, bells and flags everything has a meaning.

Naval Historical Center provides a wealth of information about heritage of the Navy.

The official Navy colors are blue and gold.

The Navy Hymn: "Eternal Father, Strong to Save"

Navy March: "Anchors Aweigh"
The music was composed by Lt. Charles A. Zimmerman in 1906 as a march for the Naval Academy Class of 1907 and the lyrics were written by Midshipman Alfred H. Miles. It was first performed at the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia.

Navy Motto
There is no official motto for the U.S. Navy. "Non sibi sed patriae" (Not self but country) is often cited as the Navy's motto, however.

Just a Bit of TRIVIA
Sailing vessels are referred to in the feminine/ “she”!

Submarines are called boats… never ships!

The collar on an enlisted uniform was originally designed to protect the uniform from the tar on a sailor’s braid!

Sailors used to be (and may still be?) taught how to turn their uniform into a floatation device if need be!

Did you know that the Navy also has a Deep Submergence Research submarine? Or at least it does until next month. NR-1 is being decommissioned and the Navy does not have any current plans to replace her.. You can read more about this unique vessel: NR-1 Deep Submergence Craft. My husband served on this vessel as well as two nuclear powered submarines (The USS Omaha and The USS San Juan) and currently works refueling submarines!

TODAY’S NAVY
The Navy is rich in its past, but it is also innovative and is in constant forward movement to keep it efficient and effective!

Turbines that float on magnets instead of using oil, all electric nuclear powered air craft carriers, alternative propulsion methods and many new technologies are under

development even now! One example that you can read about is a new class of aircraft carrier: Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carrier



As a Navy wife, I feel a certain patriotic tug at my heart at the sight of the ships in our local shipyard, or the frequent images of families greeting returning sailors on the dock. Especially emotional are the pictures of daddies being introduced to newborns born during their absences. It’s not easy being a Navy family, but we are proud of the heritage of the Navy’s rich past and are blessed to be a part of the Navy’s present as we serve our country together, each in our own unique ways!

Navy Wife

On Friday, October 13, 1775 the United States Navyʼs foundations were formed. It all started with two sailing vessels, outfitted, manned, and sent out for 3-month deployments. From these modest beginnings eventually grew our modern day Navy.


As a Navy wife, I feel a certain patriotic tug at my heart at the sight of the ships in our local shipyard, or the frequent images of families greeting returning sailors on the dock. Especially emotional are the pictures of daddies being introduced to newborns born during their absences. Itʼs not easy being a Navy family, but we are proud of the heritage of the Navyʼs rich past and are blessed to be a part of the Navyʼs present as we serve our country together, each in our own unique ways!

Please join us on October 13th as Mrs. Brown expands on the history of the Navy and why this day is so special to her and her family!