This Saturday I woke up very early in order to attend a dawn ANZAC day service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Through this service as well as by talking with Australians, I learned that ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Core. The day itself if meant to be one of remembrance for all soldiers who have fought as well as died in service for Australia and New Zealand, particularly those who fought on the beach of Gallipoli, Turkey during the first World War on April 25. This year marks the one hundredth anniversary of the battle at Gallipoli, which resulted in a massive turnout of people for the dawn service. There were thousands of people standing outside in the darkness of early morning as the rain came down.
Towards the end of the service, the choir and many of those in the crowd sang the Australian National Anthem. It occurred to me after this that I had never even actually heard the words before then. Also on the walk back I saw a long carpet, at least one city block in length, of red crocheted poppies. Some had picture of soldier tied to them. It was a very impressive sight to behold as it must have taken a great deal of time and organization to make and put together the thousands of flowers that were used. I am grateful to be here in Australia for this event, to share in the remembrance of the armed forces.
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