I didn't welcome ya cos I already know ya.

Welcome anyway 

Back on topic.......I hope the weather gods are being kind to all the morning services and parades around the country. They are here around Port Macquarie. 

Just off topic for one sec, when do you hope to arrive in Townsville, Doug?

ANZAC Day has always been a special day in our family. As a young child I remember being taken in to the city to watch my father and uncles march and recall how proud I was of their sacrifices. A few years later, the march seemed to become hijacked by yuppies and their wives and kids all wearing someone' else's medals and parading along as if in some sort of self admiration parade. Common sense then took over and these imposters were punted to the rear of the march and so their interest and attention seeking was diminished and they gave it away. As the 100 year celebration came upon us, every D grade celebrity found some lost relative to become misty eyed about to bolster their own credibility. Just when I thought it could not get any worse, I watched the Gallipoli service and here is our prime minister, the same one that denied the service people of their pay rise, talking it up whilst in the crowd sat people with a beanie on, with ANZAC written on the side, and an Australian flag draped around them, like some football supporter.

I guess I am getting old and cranky but I wish they could just leave the day to the people it belongs to and just stand back and applaud them and allow them the limelight, even if only for a few hours.

Too crook to march or attend but was at Emu Park RSL in spirit. RIP Dad.