Each ANZAC Day, the National Rifle Association of Australia’s club members, acknowledge our heritage and dedicate the time to remember the sacrifices of those who fought in all conflicts for the security and freedoms Australians enjoy today. On ANZAC Day we reflect upon the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of our past and present Defence Force members which includes the 28,000 rifle club members who enlisted and fought during the Great War, some of who lie buried in far off lands. In 1919, rifle club members of the Australian Imperial Force awaiting passage home from Europe, again answered the call to represent their country and in doing so honoured their fellow Australian rifle club members who would not return having fought the epic battles of the Great War during the previous four years. LEST WE FORGET’
The attached article is the story of the Diggers Rifle Team that assembled after the Great War ended to contest the Victory Match at Bisley (UK) in July 1919.
In addition to the ANZAC Day 2021 article available at the link above, we have included an inspiring poem written by a talented young man, Joshua Dyer (aged 14) who was tasked at school in 2019 to write a poem for Remembrance Day. An hour later (without any help) he produced this…
ONE THOUSAND MEN ARE WALKING
One thousand men are walking
Walking side by side
Singing songs from home
The spirit as their guide
they walk toward the light milord
they walk towards the sun
they smoke and laugh and smile together
no foes to outrun
these men live on forever
in the hearts of those they saved
a nation truly grateful
for the path of peace they paved
they march as friends and comrades
but they do not march for war
step closer to salvation
a tranquil steady corps
the meadows lit with golden beams
a beacon for the brave
the emerald grass untrampled
a reward for what they gave
they dream of those they left behind
and know they dream of them
forever in those poppy fields
there walks one thousand men
