“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.”
These words are from the pen of poet Laurence Binyon, written in 1914 dealing with Patriotism and sacrifice. The poem, titled ‘For the fallen’ memorializes soldiers who died in battle World War 1. It acknowledges the profound loss of soldiers lives while also emphasising the nobility of their sacrifices. These words will have a special meaning on April 26 at 3pm when ‘The Kilkenny Great War Memorial committee’ meet to remember Anzac day. Each year in April, Australians and New Zealanders come together to honour all who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
The Ambassadors from Australia and Türkiye as well as the Deputy head of mission from the New Zealand Embassy will be in attendance as well as the Cathaoirleach’s and Mayor’s from the counties of Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny. An Honour Guard and the Irish and United Nations Veterans Associations will also be present.
The ceremony will consist of prayer, poetry, music, wreath laying, Last Post and Reveille, flag raising and the National anthems of Australia, New Zealand and Türkiye.
Refreshments will be served directly after the ceremony at the Home Rule Club on John’s Quay.
ANZAC stands for “Australian and New Zealand Army Corps” and is one of the most important national celebrations across Australia and New Zealand.
