ANZAC DAY 100TH ANNIVERSARY

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Lest We Forget

Remembering our fallen soldiers and paying our respects to those who fought for our country, that is what ANZAC day is all about. Remembering the Australians and New Zealanders who gave the ultimate sacrifice when they landed in Gallipoli 100 years ago. 

I went to the local Dawn service this morning and I must say I was a little disappointed. 
Now before you people get your caps lock on, allow me to explain. 

The local Dawn Service was very Australian based, they spoke about the Australians, sang the Australian National anthem. And I get it, I live in Australia we should sing the Aussie National anthem. BUT some people tend to forget that it's called ANZAC day. 
ANZAC stands for 

Australian
New
Zealand 
Army
Corps

The Australians got plenty of mention and it's probably fair but what about our New Zealand neighbours? Why couldn't we put their national anthem on to pay our respects to them? 

All this put aside, I would like to mention more

 about ANZAC day and the spirit of the 

ANZACs


"Australians recognise 25 April as an occasion of national remembrance, which takes two forms. Commemorative services are held at dawn – the time of the original landing – across the nation. Later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen meet to take part in marches through the major cities and in many smaller centres. Commemorative ceremonies are more formal and are held at war memorials around the country. In these ways, Anzac Day is a time at which Australians reflect on the many different meanings of war." 
- https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac-tradition/ 

Every year, my family attends a service but it is only recently that I have attended the Dawn Service. Sure, waking up at a ridiculous time in the morning is not pleasant but it is a small price to pay for our freedom, as the leader of the service said "For us to have a tomorrow, they gave their today."
Leaving the service, my Dad said that the sound of The Last Post being played on the bugle still sends shivers down his spine.

I have heard of young politicians who want to get rid of ANZAC day. But I don't see that happening, ANZAC day is a big part of Australia and New Zealand's identity which will possibly continue until the end of time and I am proud to have attended a service to commemorate 100 years.