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'I notice no one else is here on bikes', good observation Wobbly Wheels, but what does it matter when there are plenty of other Aussies paying homage to their hometown heroes of WWI? I am not a history student, nor do I take much (any) interest in war. However I found Villers and the Commonwealth cemeteries around Somme moving and humbling. There are 1000 war cemeteries and 2000 civilian cemeteries in Belgium and France marking the graves of about 750,000 Commonwealth soldiers, sailors and airmen. The relationship between the three countries continues to be strong for this reason. More men fought and died here than Gallipoli. At Villers Bretonneux there are 779 Australian graves and the Australian war memorial to recognize Australian troops who helped defeat the Germans in 1918. Former Prime Minister Paul Keating's tribute to the unknown Australian solider - ordinary people showing bravery and resilience in times of war or peace - was particularly inspiring. The township of Villers was not, inspiring, that is. Incredible hospitality towards Australians, yes, (people asked us if we needed anything after seeing WW bags, which have Australian flags on) but wow, um I hate to say it. Not genetically blessed. It's all buck teeth, big foreheads and teenage mums. And smoking while pregnant? Dumb and ignorant!
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