photo #4122226

ANZAC DAY 2023,A tribute to my real hero, he served in 2 World Wars, in WW1 1st AIF 4th brigade came home in 1918, was given a War Vet’s home in Maroubra NSW, brought his war bride back from the UK, raised his family as a God fearing Man, 20 years later he was back in the thick of it in WW2 along with his SON, my Uncle CHUM, my Father Lou and two cousins that paid the ultimate price for our freedom.My grandfather was Cyril Vernon Clay-Lauer, top right side of this photo, he lived for ANZAC DAY, one week before his special day, he would take out his medals and shine them up, he would iron his uniform and get up at 3am to travel to the dawn service in Martin place, then to march with his unit, or what was left them, in the end we would both march, I would wear a copy of my father’s medals on the opposite side to his.His sacrifice was not limited to fighting WARS, both my grand parents stepped up when I was 7 years of age in 1952, took on a far more important role in my life, they became quote, ‘not the one’s that gave birth, but those that loved you most, are your real parents’, end quote.So it is my honour to post this photo and tribute to the very person that stood tall and mentored me through to my late teens, this debt of gratitude I carry, will never be repaid but on this special day each year, I will never forget.May this photo offer other’s that will recognise a relative or two, much PRIDE. To all servicemen and women, past and present enjoy the keys to our city…On the going down of the sun, we shall remember them…LEST WE FORGET.