Today, the 25th April, is a very special day in Australia…ANZAC Day.

I’ve written this post in advance, so by the time you’re reading this…hopefully I’ve been up to attend the Dawn Service and consumed half a dozen ANZAC biscuits (yum!)

ANZAC Day marks the first occasion where Australian and New Zealand forces joined in a major military action…and it is one of Australia’s most significant national occasions.

The Ode (see below), and the playing of The Last Post, never fails to give me goose bumps and always brings a tear to my eyes…as we remember them:

“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.”

For overseas visitors to The Tax Chic, you can hear The Last Post here.

Lest we forget…

On a lighter note, today I’m looking at a battle of a different kind, and a victory…each year on ANZAC Day, the mighty Collingwood Magpies take on the Essendon Bombers as part of the Australian Football League home and away season.

This is the biggest game ALL year outside of the Grand Final!

While it’s usually a sell-out, I’ve been lucky enough to attend the game on a number of occasions…and it never ceases to amaze me how a minute of silence can bring a crowd of thousands, all standing, to be so quiet…you could hear a pin drop.

I know I’m going to cop some flack for being a “Pies” supporter…but I don’t care!  I’m even (almost) proud to say I don’t have all my own teeth…but that’s a story for another time (and one only AFL supporters will understand)!!

Go Pies!!

Regards