Saturday, October 1, 2016

Rosemary, Remembrance, and Gallipoli

Why Do Australians Display Rosemary on Anzac Day?

An Australian Veteran Displays a Sprig of Rosemary on Anzac Day


Since ancient times this aromatic herb has been believed to have properties to improve the memory. Perhaps because of this rosemary became an emblem of both fidelity and remembrance in literature and folklore. Traditionally, sprigs of rosemary are worn on Anzac Day and sometimes on Remembrance Day and are usually handed out by veterans and patriotic organizations. Rosemary has particular significance for Australians, as it is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula.


Source:  Australian War Memorial



10 comments:

  1. J HowellOctober 1, 2016 at 11:11 AM

    What is with the Australian veteran displaying a US National Defense Service Medal?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jerry BeachOctober 1, 2016 at 11:28 AM

    The medal with two stars on the lift looks very much like my father's WWI Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. The only think missing is the US Marines clasp at the top.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JerryOctober 1, 2016 at 11:33 AM

      That should say, "The only thing missing is the US Marines clasp at the top." I think there is something in my computer that changes things. It's been acting up for a couple days.

      Delete
  3. bill o'neillOctober 1, 2016 at 1:16 PM

    Checked the Marine Corps site the Good Conduct does not have a bar U.S. Marine Corps bar on it. Did your serve in Vietnam? That he has two means six years or so service. all the medals were for the Vietnam Era or just before. Semper Fi

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  4. UnknownOctober 1, 2016 at 6:14 PM

    Ophelia (Hamlet): "There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember."

    ReplyDelete
  5. DavidOctober 1, 2016 at 11:19 PM

    That is definitely NOT an Australian veteran in that photo. Those are American medals, except for the last two which were awarded by the Republic of Vietnam. The wearer may have been at an Anzac Day ceremony, but did not serve as an Australian.

    For a photo of a real Australian veteran wearing rosemary with his medals, see:
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/2605214-3x2-940x627.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 2, 2016 at 8:27 PM

    Maybe he's not a lieutenant colonel, either. Alas, I don't know Aussie regimental badges...

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  7. AnonymousOctober 2, 2016 at 8:30 PM

    Doesn't the last medal on the right bear the initials ER Ii? Queen of South Vietnam?

    ReplyDelete
  8. DavidOctober 9, 2016 at 2:52 PM

    Thanks for changing the photo. It now shows an Australian veteran, and those are definitely Australian WW2 medals he is wearing.

    ReplyDelete