Having just read this thread after returning from holiday, there are two things that I would like to relate:
On St'George's Day, the Cruise liner I was on was moored next to a large American liner in the Caribbean. A party on top deck had been organised as a farewell to the Caribbean but it evolved into a St.George's celebration with Union Jacks, George Crosses, Land of Hope and Glory etc. belting out and being waved. The Americans congregated on their top deck and joined in with lots of whooping and cheering!!!!
The other thing was that whilst travelling through the Western Meditteranian, it was interesting to note the number of churches and monuments dedicated to St.George. I don't recall see any in England.

Pleased to hear you had a great time there, Kawa ... but if you haven't noticed any churches or chapels (not to mention hospitals) in England dedicated to our Patron Saint ... well, I can only imagine that you haven't been looking hard enough!

ANZAC DAY.

Yeah G,day G,day to all our Ocker and Kiwi mates on this special day.

" We will Remember Them "

Anzac Day is a time to remember and reflect on the sorrow, loss and sacrifice that is the obligation of nationhood, the cost of liberty and the price of freedom.

Major General Rhys Jones

Well if nobody else is going to do it.......Happy belated St George's day. It shouldn't take a Scot to remind you all!

Looks like " El Annis " slipped up there !!!

Thank you Tony, yes it was Anzac day this weekend during which we were all very grateful to the "diggers" (slang for soldiers) for giving us a public holiday on Monday, oh yes, and that freedom thing an' all.

Odd though don't you think that the landings and campaign at Gallipoli should be the point of remembrance, one of histories greatest military bungles, SNAFU from beginning to end. A truly dreadful bungle on the part of the "command". Most countries mark their greatest military moments but down under we mark the worst.

Don,t be so hard on yourself Dave, like most soldiers in the 1st World War they were " Lions led by Donkeys "

Most of the Gallipoli campaign can be laid at Winston Churchills door, to his credit he did later recognize this in his books, and he did visit Gallipoli during his meetings at Yalta with Roosevelt & Stalin.

Take Care. T.

Not really, Mate. I respect all of it, as you know ... but suspect that many others who get on here "just don't get it", as it were.

@Dave: we are celebrating the blokes, not the cock-ups. Just as Vimy Ridge was for Canada, Gallipoli was (if you like) the "coming of age" for the ANZACs. Some of us will never forget (this and many, many, other events) ... not only on behalf of the Dominions, but brave, common blokes who did their duty everywhere and at all times in history.

My grandfather's brother lies forever at Helles Point, as I have mentioned before. 7th Battalion, the Gloucestershire Regiment.

Let's hear it for Saint George!

... and again today.

Although it must be said that I myself believe that Saint Edmund is the true Patron Saint of the English. And that the white dragon on a red field has prior claim as our original flag.

George and the red cross on white field came along so much later - imposed upon us, you might say, for "political" reasons (or "religious" - the same thing, really) in the way that things continue to be up to the present day.

So I shall henceforth be celebrating on 20th November (Saint Edmund's Day, and the anniversary of his martyrdom) and urge all Englishmen (and women) to do the same!