The Ode

[Gad]

Source(s):

www.anzacday.org.au/anzacservices/poetry/ADsonnet.htm
/>http://www.rslwahq.org.au/ode.html

On ANZAC Day,25th April each year, we remember the brave men and women who have served our country in times of war.

On ANZAC Day we especially remember all the people who have died or suffered in wars so that we might live freely.

The Ode is part of a special poem that is said during the ANZAC Day service.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Lest We Forget

In Australia and New Zealand the final line of the ode, "We will remember them", is repeated in response.

The line Lest we forget is often added to the end of the ode, which is repeated in response by those listening.

The "Ode of Remembrance" is regularly recited at memorial services held on days commemorating World War I, such as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day.

In Australia's Returned and Services Leagues, it is read out nightly at 6 p.m., followed by a minute's silence.

The Ode came from 'For the Fallen', a poem by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon and was published in London in The Winnowing Fan: Poems on the Great War in 1914. The verse which became the League Ode was already used in association with commemoration services in Australia in 1921.

For the Fallen

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flash of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal

Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them

[ellicat]

Cheers Gad. Never seen the full poem before.

Brings a lump to the throat at the RSL everytime.

[roverfj1200]

Thanks Gad....

[fishingnut]

Cheers Gad. Never seen the full poem before.

Brings a lump to the throat at the RSL everytime.

Me to brian

[ryanyoung]

Cheers to our fallen soldiers of all wars and conflicts. Jarrod, I am having a beer for you, and wish I could share one with you.

Lest I forget,

Ryan.

[Doobsy]

Great post Gad.

Many thanks to Ryan, his colleagues and the sacrifice of their families.