Reviews from

A Special Thursday

Glimpse into my country ...

22 total reviews 
Comment from BethShelby
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This day seem be a lot like our Memorial Day near the end of May but always celebrated on Monday. It was once known by some as Poppy Day and we also celebrate Nov. 11. I don't think is is quite as an impressive day here. It is governemnt holiday but most businesses don't close as they do on July 4 which is our Indepentance day.

 Comment Written 01-May-2024


reply by the author on 01-May-2024
    Thank you very much , Beth. Yes, both Anzac Day and Remembrance Day are increasing in interest here. Especially among young people. Both very solemn services, very respectful and meaningful, both to remember past people and events but also to pray for and encourage community and national and international peace.
    Wendy.
Comment from lyenochka
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I'm so glad that Sunny was such a well behaved dog at that solemn event which probably took a considerable amount of time!
Thanks for bringing us there by describing everything so well. I didn't know that hymn but just today, Yvonne mentioned it was her favorite hymn so I had looked it up. I love the words but the melody was a bit tricky to learn.

 Comment Written 30-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 30-Apr-2024
    Thank you for the lovely review. We all grew up with that hymn. It was even sung in public primary schools every Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
    Wendy
Comment from Mintybee
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This was pleasant to read. I enjoyed the description, the commentary, and the involvement of your dog. Thanks for including the lyrics to the hymn referenced and your national anthem. I haven't heard either before.
Mintybee

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much Mintybee. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
    Wendy
Comment from royowen
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I think a lot of other countries celebrate Armistice Day, as I seem to remember it, but Remembrance Day would be a better general term, we watched the services in Turkey, and have actually been there, and the British, French and Americans honour the same day. Beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thanks Roy. Yes, all that is true for Remembrance Day - but here I am highlighting our Anzac Day, which is remembered only in Australia and New Zealand. Thanks though for reviewing.
    Wendy
reply by royowen on 29-Apr-2024
    Well done
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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I am certain that this day brought a tear to your eye Wendy as whilst reading your story here I was tearing up. Paying tribute to all those who gave their life so that we can live in freedom is always touching and sad, a fine post, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much Dolly. Yes, it is always a very moving service. We have so much to be thankful for. A lovely review.
    Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
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This is a very well written story about a special day in your countries history. I enjoyed listening to it very much. It's amazing how much we learn about other cultures through fan story and I enjoy your work about as well as any other work on the site because of your Writing and great detail about different things. Patricia .

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much Patricia. I am glad you enjoyed this one, and I'm pleased you like hearing stories from my country. So encouraging.
    Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
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Your detailed description of Anzac Day allowed me to envision what it must have been like to be one of the thousands of people seated for the ceremony. I also enjoyed reading all the words and humming along with "Abide With Me," one of my favorite hymns. I only wish I knew the melody to Australia's National Anthem. The words are filled with such gratitude and appreciation.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much for this meaningful review. Very special to think you were humming Abide with me. It's a beautiful hymn.
    Google "Advance Australia Fair" and you will be able to get a video clip of it. Thank you again.
    Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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I had never heard of Anzac Day until Roy wrote about it last week. You have given us a further glimpse into the holiday and what it means to Australians - and your family and Sunny. I'm so glad he was a good boy for you; not surprised:-)

Thanks for sharing this special holiday with those of us on the other side of the world. We may be far away, but we share so much.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much, Pam. Your review is very encouraging and special. More and more children and young people are becoming interested and involved these last few years, which is wonderful to see.
    Wendy
Comment from karenina
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What a poignant piece, Wendy. You've skillfully shared your personal experience, interwoven with the history and import of this very special day.

I bristled to read: "Because of political correctness, neither of these is now usually included in present-day Anzac Day Services, or indeed at any public function. I cannot even remember the last time I heard "Abide with Me" sung in a public gathering."

This is happening too often, in too many countries, and the irony of it being considered "correct" chafes my heart.

I've just listened to: "Commonwealth of Australia " Abide With Me" on YouTube and it is absolutely beautiful.

Thank you for sharing your day! God Bless the fallen!

Karenina


 Comment Written 28-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2024
    Interestingly, there is a huge upsurge in interest by young people and even young children in these two significant days, over recent years, which is very pleasing. Thank you for a lovely review, and particularly for listening to Advance Australia Fair and Abide with Me. That's very special to me, that you showed such interest.
    Wendy
reply by karenina on 28-Apr-2024
    It is my honor!
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2024
    I tried to nominate you, but it seems I have run out of nominations for April - but I am sure I already nominated you anyway because of your previous review of "Finale".
reply by karenina on 29-Apr-2024
    Thanks! Reviewing you is its own reward!
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
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It sounds like a lovely day of special tributes and memorials. I am so glad that Sunny happened upon a sausage as a special treat. thank you for sharing this with us.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2024
    Thank you Marilyn for your super review. Much appreciated.
    Wendy