Hi Foxy,
"This year, due to my mobility issues
we won't be attending. However, we will say a prayer,
and watch what we can on the news."

Sorry to hear mobility issues are standing in the way of your Aussie traditions.
Hope you enjoy the morning and the day anyway.

Hi Armchair

Where you say:

"Hi Mavs
"Yes America was the critical addition that stopped the Germans winning WWI."

You will note I and then you are talking about WWI, that is World War One - wherein Russia surrendered to the Germans in 1918 [1] This freed up large German forces to fight the British (UK, ANZAC and Canadian) and French forces on Germany's Western Front.

These strengthened German Forces would have beaten the weaker British and French forces. The 2 million American forces in 1918 tipped the balance in favour of the allies - winning the war. This was on top of Americas exports also saving the British economy in 1917-18.

And yes the USSR did lose 27 million in World War Two doing most of the fighting against Germany in that War.

Cheers Mavs

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Brest-Litovsk

Hi AC,

Thanks for your well wishes.

And, for the information about Lithuanian Anzacs.
Something I did not know and will have to research.
I know that some Lithuanians did come to this country
quite early on in the past - so I guess it makes sense.
Many also have recently joined the armed forces, including
graduating from the Military Academy in Canberra with great pride.

Hi AC,

Here's just one blog about Lithuanian Anzacs:

http://earlylithuaniansinaustralia.blogspot.com/2015/03/lithuanian-anzacs-at-gallipoli.html

Hi Mavs,
Ah, I screwed up big time, didn't I? Not again...
Lol, 'Wrong war' (idiot...)

No worries Armchair

There are just too many wars to track.

And the most powerful superpower today, the USA, has the resources to prolong any war it chooses eg. currently Gaza and Ukraine. And it did prolong the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan way past their Wars Should Have Ended Use By Dates (WSBYDs).

Cheers Mavs