ANZAC DAY IN INDY
(Indianapolis, Indiana)
Unknown to most, ANZAC Day is celebrated today in a small corner of Indianapolis. Here, among friends it's called Indy-Aussie day. It's a group of Indianapolis folks with Aussie partners, or both Aussies. Today's group included about 200 Aussies.
This was my first time. I was amazed at the turnout. My wife of 4 years, an Aussie shelia, had a wonderful time. Eating Aussie foods, (me drinking the beer), talking the Aussie language, was simply wonderful for her. I was getting Susan some wine and interrupted two ladies talking, asking where they were from in Australia, and saying they two were the first I had talked to. One took me by the hand to my wife, took my wife off into the Aussie groups. I didn't mind, that's what I went for... for her to touch base again with those who have the same difficulties. I found a place to sit and talked to a couple of Aussie gentlemen. I was wearing my Viet Nam hat and shirt, but no other Nam vets were there – Aussie or Yank.
Turns out one of the gentleman I was chatting to, was the Consular General for Australia (Chicago), and his wife was the one I handed my wife over too. Was a great party! ANZAC was remembered, two-up (?) was played as was toss-the-thong and catch-the-boomerang. I missed the Aussie beer and had to drink English (Newcastle).
I just wanted to let our Aussie friends know that ANZAC Day is alive and well here in the States.