A quiet Anzac Day

Today is a very special day for Australia and New Zealand - it is Anzac Day, a public holiday where we remember those who sacrificed their lives for all of us so that we might live in peace. Sadly our world still can't live in peace and the future is uncertain. For me personally it is a quiet day of reflection especially for my late Dad. I found this photo of Dad in his airforce uniform taken in April 1949, four years after the war had ended so I wonder if it was in fact taken on Anzac Day before or after the march......

That very same day I have a photo of my late Mum as well........how it must have been a relief that war was over...........

Our hallway is covered in Dad's pictures and I know he would be very proud that I still meet with David Leicester (DFC with bar), and a few widows at our regular Pathfinder lunches. David was a Squadron leader at the age of 20 and only two weeks ago I learnt that he had just received France's highest decoration - the Legion of Honour. I also found out that my own Dad could have also received this if he was still alive. But I share in my pride of knowing David Leicester seen here at the Parade grounds and the new Bomber Command tribute at home........

Dad was a part of Bomber Command in 582 Pathfinder Squadron and his survival is truly miraculous. 55,573 were killed out of a total of 125,000 aircrew (a 44.4% death rate), so I am so grateful that I had many years with him. Dad made sure I had a copy of his memorabilia including his escape maps and ID, his log book and his personal journal that he completed in later years of life. His first entry in his log book is January 11th 1943 and the last March 27th 1945. It must have been an incredibly long two years. The most devastating entry is from February 23rd 1945 where he logs the Pforzheim bombing. Some of his entry says....."Attacked by fighter on target. Controls seriously damaged. Kite got out of control and baled out. Skipper went in with kite". The skipper was Captain Ted Swales who saved his crew during this raid including my father. Posthumously Captain Swales was awarded a  Victoria Cross and each day I am reminded of him on my wall.......

 Dad recalls on the back of his crew photo that they did not like having their photo taken before an operation because more often than not the crew that were photographed never returned home. So superstition was put aside for this photo and sadly their superstition came true as they were shot down on that very night with Ted being killed..............

We also remember those who are serving in own our forces today and hope that wars like this never happen again. So it is nice to have a quiet day at home as I am still extremely fatigued after our busy days at the quilt convention. I was glad that Bernina took some close-up photos of my quilts on their stand for my records....

 and one of yours truly too!

Easter was only just over a week ago and how the little ones are growing so fast....but that didn't stop the egg hunt......

 It was lovely having the entire family at home and after lunch it was nice to see Beau and Maisie playing quietly in "their" little room.........

 I was just sorry we didn't get a photo of all the family together but Emily did get me to take this one on her phone......

 I also have some photos from our trip to Linhay Gallery on Easter Saturday in Auburn to see the costume display alongside some of my quilts. Auburn is in the lovely Clare Valley and the old buildings remind us of the past........

 Very appropriate for today......

 Below is the restored barn of Linhay Gallery with just a few images of the display.........

 Thanks for dropping by.........and Lest we Forget.......