Observing the Aussies: Falling down commemorating...

This past weekend was ushered in by the celebration of ANZAC Day, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) forces during the First World War. Unfortunately this military action was the tragic 1915 events at Gallipoli.

In recent times, ANZAC Day is observed by a rather solemn dawn service generally followed by (according to Wikipedia) "social gatherings of veterans, hosted either in a pub or in an RSL Club."

Now the astute reader will notice by this description the social gathering in the pub immediately follows the dawn service. But what it doesn't say is that the gathering in the pub or RSL often precedes the dawn service as well. It also fails mention that the RSL - which serves the same purpose as the VFW Posts in the US - also serves free alcohol to service members all day. Can you see where this is leading?

How come we can't celebrate like this in the US? Our Memorial Day is so stodgy!

I'm just sayin...

- Farmer Ted