Today is ANZAC day in Australia. I really look forward each year to this commemorative day. As I wrote yesterday ANZAC day is a day of remembrance, reflection & gratitude. This morning we attended our local morning service, we try to go every year, it is a couple of seconds walk of our home & I love seeing the various member of our little community coming together.
Things begin with a parade, this year we appear to have lost some of our older diggers (term for Australian soldiers) as there was only those who could actually march in the parade. In previous years there have been a couple of diggers in vintage cars participating in the parade, sad that they are probably no longer with us.
Must admit I tear up with pride when I see our ex service men walking with such pride. And they have much to be proud of.
The actually service itself is quite simple, flags are raised to half mast & the hymn ‘Abide with me’ is sung. Members of the local RSL (returned services league) sub branch make speeches & recite the ode
They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old,
Age shall not weary the nor the years condemn,
at the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them
Wreaths are laid at the memorial, the last post is played (again a teary moment) & we observe a minute silence.
It is always a cool, crisp morning. ANZAC day marks the real beginning of the cooler weather. It is a wonderful day of reflection & I can’t wait till next year.