Autumn Rose

This beauty was found in the gardens of St John's Anglican Church in Reid, Canberra. The gardeners were working hard to get the grounds in shape for Anzac Day commemorations. Likewise, local government workers were busy across the road in Anzac Parade, ensuring the memorials are tidy and pathways cleared and clean. I'm not sure how well ANZAC is known abroad, but it stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and the day (25th April) commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peace-keeping operations. The most notable campaign (by number of deaths) was at Gallipoli, in Turkey. 2015 is the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, and about 50,000 people are anticipated the Dawn Service and National Ceremony here in the capital.

Annoyingly, Target is selling Anzac Day wrist bands and Gallipoli mugs- even children's t-shirts with the same theme. It won't be long before you can buy your own plastic set of war medals to go with your soldier's uniform costume. :/

Lest We Forget.