Lest We Forget

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left behind 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"

It's amazing how quickly you forget the things that were so important to you as a kid. Growing up, ANZAC Day was a pretty big deal for me, not only because it was a day off school (bit of a bonus that) but because it was a chance for the whole nation to stop and remember those who fought (and those who continue to do so).

I remember proudly wearing my poppy pin (usually bought from a veteran in the days prior) and watching the parade pass by the middle of town. Having had family who served it was a moment for me to thank them and others for serving their country.

But now, I have to be honest, there have been a couple of years when it has passed by and I totally forgot it. Mostly because without having a strong Aussie network here, I tend to forget the big celebrations we have, unless someone reminds me (usually via FB). It's sad, but true.

So this year, I decided that I would make a concerted effort to not only remember but to make it a part of our lives here in Las Vegas. 

Over the past week or so, I've been searching the web and Pinterest for ideas on how to do this, not only for me, but for Little P. I want need her to be aware of her Australian heritage, of where I come from and what is important to us as a nation. ANZAC Day is a big part of that. And while I have found a ton of crafts for us to do (making poppies tonight to wear tomorrow), trying to locate a book that's age appropriate for her on the ANZAC's has been like mission impossible. While I found quite a few that a good for kids closer to the 11-13 age group, nothing, and I mean nothing, was around for a toddler. I found a listing for one book on Amazon that might have worked - but it's out of print now and copies of it are going for $200!! 

Figures.

Totally disappointed and a little saddened by this fact, I gave up trying to find anything that would work. 

And while it's disheartening to think that I won't have a story to read to Little P tomorrow night, telling her about the brave ANZAC's and why we wear red poppies on April 25th, I have faith that someone, somewhere will know of a book that's perfect and will point me in the right direction. And come this time next year, I'll be ready.

Lest we forget...

K