'Can You Hear Australia's Heroes Marching?' is a national war memorial
song and a tribute to the ANZAC spirit of mateship, courage and sacrifice.



Over 100,000 Australians have lost their lives in the service and defence of our country.    Along with their
mates, they're marching once again, in the towns and cities, across our great land.
The song is timeless and honours the memory of those who have died in the service and defence of Australia
in war.

The marching theme of the song is especially powerful and supports the spirit of ANZAC Day.  The song
does not glorify war or endorse conflict of any kind. The song simply highlights the sacrifice of many Australians
who died in the service and defence of our country in war.

The song has been used for commemorative purposes across Australia by schools, churches, choirs,
bands, councils, retirement homes, military services, RSL branches and ANZAC tributes at NRL & AFL
matches.  The author allows the song to be used for free for commemorative purposes.

Radio stations throughout Australia have broadcast the song leading up to ANZAC Day and Remembrance
Day.

The song is also requested to be played at funerals (for veterans).

"Dale Lawther's father, Alan Dale Lawther, a WW2 veteran, passed away early in the morning on New
Years Day this year.  Dale had asked if the song could be played at her Dad's funeral which I heartedly
approved.  Dale was kind enough to send me photographs of her Dad and she said, 'Everyone has
commented on your song, they all loved it and thought it very apt.'  Dale's email touched me deeply
and I asked her if I could do a web page in memory of her Dad.  You can click here for the web page
'In memory of Alan Dale Lawther - An Australian hero'."
Peter Barnes (Author)

The author of the song will create a web page with video, the same as for Alan Lawther, for other
Australians who have served Australia in war and have passed away. This includes Australians who died in
war service.  You can contact the author here for information to be sent to you if you have a loved one or
family member that you want remembered in such a way.

Click here to read comments regarding the song.

Click here to download the song (CD quality mp3 in full length).  Don't miss this opportunity to have
your own copy of the song at no cost.  To download you must right click on 'Click here' and then click on
'Save Target As...'  Then choose a folder on your computer where you want the mp3 file downloaded to.

The words (lyrics) to the song have been requested to be used or read at commemorative ceremonies.
You can click here to download the words to the song (pdf file).

Sheet music can be emailed to you for no cost for commemorative ceremonies.   Click here to be sent
sheet music.  As well as standard sheet music, there is individual sheet music for piano, solo voice, trumpet,
electric guitar, bass guitar, choir and drum kit.    NEW:  Full arrangement now available.  Includes all
instruments (piano, trumpet, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit) choir and solo voice.


Second World War 1939 - 1945.

Nearly a million Australians, both men and women, served in the Second World War. They fought in campaigns
against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, as well as against Japan in south-east
Asia and other parts of the Pacific. The Australian mainland came under direct attack for the first time.

Over 30,000 Australian servicemen were taken prisoner in the Second World War and 39,000 gave their lives.
Two-thirds of those taken prisoner were captured by the Japanese during their advance through south-east Asia
within the first weeks of 1942.  While those who became prisoners of the Germans had a strong chance of
returning home at the end of the war, 36 per cent of prisoners of the Japanese died in captivity.

For most of this war, nurses were the only women to serve outside of Australia in any capacity, except for the
Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS). Between 1939 and 1945, 71 Australian women lost their lives
during active service overseas.  3,477 AANS nurses served, and 71 never returned.

Click here to go to home page.

Peter Barnes initiated this song in 2001.  He is the author (and copyright owner) of the song and he
created the concept, title and lyrics.  You can contact Peter by email here

'Can you hear Australia's heroes marching?' © Peter Barnes 2001 - 2008. All Rights Reserved.

All content on this page and on the video remains the property of the respective copyright holders. The song