4 Comments

1. Nicola
   Posted 26 April 2008 at 6:02 am | Permalink
   1

   I am a NZer through and through and even I don’t fully understand this whole thing…. our family are not particularly patriotic and don’t talk about things like this. I only found out a couple of years back that my grandfather (who I’ve never met, he died before I was born) fought in WW2. It was only because he happened to be in the same place as my cousins husbands grandfather, who is still alive and made the connection. Suddenly there were photos of the two of them in Egypt I think, where my grandfather looked a LOT like my brother, who is probably around the same age now as when the photo’s were taken. My friend and went to see the wreaths and poppies in town yesterday, but for me ANZAC is mostly a long weekend, a chance to head out of town and a day off work. This year it was also a plane ride home, where a girl who needed ID to claim her comp wine was chatting up soldier who was pushing 50, and wanted to meet him for a beer after the parades… I got to listen to them chat and flirt for the whole 45 min flight. Fun. Not.

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   Shai Coggins reply on April 28th, 2008:

   Hi, Nicola. I always find it amazing to read about people’s histories and lives. But I agree, listening to people flirting like that may not be as fun. Hope you get to know your grandfather more through stories and such.

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2. Hanna
   Posted 26 April 2008 at 4:58 pm | Permalink
   2

   Didn’t know about this day before. You write so beautiful about your country here.

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   Shai Coggins reply on April 28th, 2008:

   Hanna: I guess, many Australian holidays are unknown to the rest of the world. But, I suppose, it’s the same with other countries. Unless you’re the U.S. - cause we hear most of their holidays in movies, TV, etc. And thanks for your kind comment. I’m glad you like it. I look forward to getting to know your country better though you too.

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3. Heather
   Posted 27 April 2008 at 5:19 pm | Permalink
   3

   Hi Shai,
   This was a lovely entry. I’m glad you love to live here so much. We wouldn’t be the same if those men hadn’t given their lives for us.

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   Shai Coggins reply on April 28th, 2008:

   Heather: I do! I really do. And I agree. Definitely won’t be the same. Thanks!

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4. martin english
   Posted 28 April 2008 at 11:39 am | Permalink
   4

   What many people don’t realise is that Australia now is the sum of ALL our past, not just the good bits. So, as an immigrant (kiwi), I have to say that I give thanks for these sacrifices (made for whatever reasons), because they’re what made this country that I now call home. But I also have to recognise the treatment of the indigenous population.

   Tha’s why everyone who lives here now has to sorry - not hust the decendants of the people who massacred or starved the aborgines, or implemented misguided policies against the the aborigines.

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   Shai Coggins reply on April 28th, 2008:

   Martin: Definitely. It’s the same with most countries. Or us, as individuals for that matter. Our histories are part of who we are - good and bad. And, we can only hope that we learn from the past… And do better in the future. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts here.

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