It is a chilly pre-dawn morning on Anzac Day 2015 and I am just about to head off to the dawn service on this, the 100th Anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli.
My memories of Anzac Day as a child are watching my grandfather, who fought in WWII in the Middle East, crying in his chair in the corner of the kitchen and my uncle,who fought in Malaya, marching in the parade then getting very drunk. It was a period of fierce debates as to whether Anzac Day should continue, with opponents arguing that it glorified war. Today Anzac Day is the day that means most to me on our calendar. I love seeing families with young children at the dawn service knowing that they will grow up with Anzac Day a part of their lives and how it embodies what it means to be Australian and how very lucky we are.
Last night I watched Deadline Gallipoli and followed the story of thousands of our young men who climbed out of the trenches to face the enemy, with the knowledge that they would most certainly die. It was a sacrifice that shaped our nation and we owe it to those Diggers, the Australian nurses and the soldiers and nurses from New Zealand to live our lives to the fullest in their memory.
I have not been to the dawn service here in Geraldton for the last two years. Amazingly enough I have been Spain for the past two Anzac Days. I thought today I would share with you my Anzac Day blogs from the last two years
It is very meaningful to share this day with you after watching Deadline Gallipoli and The Water Diviner together. It puts into perspective ,in a personal way, all the ANZAC memorials that Paul and I have seen in our 6 months in Australia and New Zealand. The impact of the drive to support England, to show up as upstanding Australians is not lost as time passes. Your national identity and pride still shines every year when remembering the men who gave their lives to protect this country for all who live now. I feel honored to be here with you now.
I love that you are seeing us at out best!
Good morning Trish, a lovely tribute……..we were at the dawn service in Geraldton this morning too. What a wonderful turn out, I reckon about 2000. Unfortunately our service wasn’t as moving as I think it could have been, but always good to take time to show our respect to the men and women in the services both past and present.
I thought not having the music for Abide with Me added a very Geraldton touch!!
You have encapsulated the feelings of many Trish. There are so many stories still to be told. The more I learn, the more I cherish our way of life. I thank the brave men and women of our armed forces past and present and am grateful that I live where I do. The uniqueness of our Aussie spirit shines through in the many stories people share, around their loved ones in the forces.
I too have memories of a tearful father on Anzac Day. He was one of the infamous Rats of Tobruk.
I always considered it such an honour to meet the few remaining men of this extraordinary team and listen to their stories. Fine men, whose lives were altered forever.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Anzac Day to me was a time to reflect on my grandfathers. One lost an eye on the beach at Gallipoli and the other suffered mustard gas and other wounds. They never spoke about the war with us but I managed to find out so much through their official records in Canberra. Some truly amazing and inspirational young men, who left our shores to fight so that we have the lives we now lead.
I loved reading all your responses to this blog, all the stories that are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing