ANZAC Day 2008

The date, 25 April, was officially named ANZAC Day in 1916 and was marked by a wide variety of ceremonies and services in Australia, a march through London, and a sports day in the Australian camp in Egypt.

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Today is the day we remember and honour those who have fought for us, and those who continue to fight for our freedom.

There are many traditions held on ANZAC Day including commmemorative serices (always a Dawn Service) and others during the morning, where communities come together. Wreathes are layed in rememberance, and respect. Flags are flown at half-mast. We wear sprigs of Rosemary pinned to our clothes, there is always the sounding of the Last Post and a period of silence and reflection. After the one minute silence, flags are raised from half mast to the masthead as the Rouse is sounded. Often at Dawn Services, the Reveille is played instead. Most often there are bagpipes and sometimes rifle volleys and gun salutes. After the ceremonies, its off to the local RSL or other club to play two-up.

But always, always, the Ode is recited:

"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"

The Ode, the fourth stanza of the poem "For the fallen" by Laurence Binyon.

This morning we went to the local Kootingal Service, which started at 0830hrs. It was raining.

Here are some of the photo's. Piddles and HotCheeks marched with the Girls Brigade and School respectively.

This is Hotcheeks standing with his school after the march down the main street.



One of the Soldiers.



Mr B, saying the Prayer.





Some of the marchers were of course, the Bag Pipe Players.






Not sure if you'll make him out, but here is HotCheeks in the actual march down the road.



This is Piddles in the Centre of the two flag carriers. She was part of the Colour Party, and (appropriately??? hahaha) she was the one who gave the orders to the other girls about what to do and when (with the flags I guess).



some of the Veterans and family members.





Piddles just before the Parade.


Piddles and BamBam, who has taken to pulling some rather strange faces. Not sure how to stop him from doing that....


Hotcheeks before the March.



A NSW Police car leading the March. Bam Bam was quite impressed with this and the ambulance.


Jeeps carry some of the Diggers.


Now, the following three photo's are not of the March or Ceremony. they are afterwards, at home. BamBam is totally obsessed with Sharks at the moment. And also with out laundry basket. Not sure what that represents in his mind. Anyway, he has taken to sleeping with them both.... ughh. The laundry basket must hurt him... He has stripped off (as you do) to go to sleep, even though its freezing in here (almost winter) and i have now removed the basket and big blow up shark and covered him up.