With so many Australians looking to honour ANZAC Day in new ways this year due to coronavirus restrictions, State MP Fiona Simpson has written and released a special song to mark the occasion.
Called, “Lest We Forget”, the song poignantly references the lighting of candles at dawn which the RSL is encouraging people to do in their own driveways as part of “Light Up The Dawn” ceremonies at 6am this Saturday.
State Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said: “It’s hard not to gather at the cenotaph for ANZAC ceremonies this year, but I thought the Light Up the Dawn driveway ceremonies were such a brilliant idea in these challenging times.
“We can still honour our ANZACs and give thanks, we just are doing it differently.”
“I wrote the song together with my friend Tanya McFadyen Bandera as I wanted to put those thoughts of gratitude for our ANZACs and all who give of service to others into a special song.
“Our returned servicemen and women and those who gave their lives are first in our thoughts this ANZAC Day, but there are so many wonderful people who embody the ANZAC spirit, who are caring for people right now through this current battle with COVID-19.
“They deserve our thankfulness and honour as well.”
Ms Simpson and Mrs Bandera regularly sing together at local legacy concerts and other occasions.
To play the song, go to https://youtu.be/KcGseAeXKQo
Lyrics Fiona Simpson; Music Tanya McFadyen-Bandera
“Lest We Forget”
(Verse 1)
Hold high your light
Remember the fallen
And those who faced the fight
Candles raised in hope before
Dawn breaks the darkest night
We Will Remember
Lest We Forget
(Verse 2).
Stand strong & tall
On shoulders of heroes
Who bravely took the call
To serve a higher cause than self
For the love of all
We Will Remember
Lest We Forget
We Will Remember
Lest we forget
(Bridge)
Freedom ….Precious liberty
Freedom… It’s in the air we breathe
Freedom …. A price was paid for me
‘Cause freedom is not free
We Must Remember
Lest We forget
(Verse 3)
Raise thankful hearts
Thankful for their service
Though time and miles apart
Acts of love that conquer fear
Breathe hope into our hearts.
We will remember
Lest we Forget
Together We remember
Lest We Forget
United we say thank you
Lest We Forget
Copyright 2020 Fiona Simpson and Tanya McFadyen-Bandera
