ANZAC day memories

This is a rollcall of what war has cost my family.

Maternal grandparents: Son-in-law William returned from WW2 with one lung.
Maternal Grandma: Youngest brother Alex(20) killed at Pope's Hill, Gallipoli. Nephew David killed in RAF in UK leaving daughter. Niece's husband Mobs killed in RAAF in PNG leaving twin daughters. Niece's husband George in Gull Force killed in Ambon leaving 4 children.
Maternal Grandpa: Two cousins, Clarrie and Bert (married with children) killed in France during WW1. Nephew Ernest killed while POW in New Britain.
Paternal grandparents: Dad's brother Arthur killed in Buna, PNG. Dad survived Bomber Squadron but died prematurely in 1966.
Paternal Grandpa: Fought in Boer War. Younger brother Aubrey returned from WW1 mortally gassed leaving 3 sons. Nephew Ken shot down flying Sunderland flying-boat.

Another war anyone?
You've got to be kidding.

S for Sugar

Several days ago, I received some on-line information about my late father's WW2 service in the RAAF. He was a bomb-aimer in 463/467 Squadron flying on sorties in Avro Lancaster over Germany. He flew several missions in the famous PO -S, better known as "S for Sugar" which flew over 130 sorties and survived. Thousands of air-crew lost their lives, and my father survived the war. Today I had the experience of speaking over the 'phone to his navigator now 89 years old.

Yesterday, I attended the Palm Sunday service and march at Parramatta. I don't want to see anyone going to war and suffering from war again, so making and keeping a just peace is a high priority.