Anzac Day 2012

2012 sees the 97th Anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealland forces at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli. This bloody battle has been ingrained in all our memories, and will be further remembered on this date.

Anzac day stands as a memorial for not just those who passed at Gallipoli, but it recognizes the ultimate sacrifice laid down by those brave men and women in protection of the values that we hold dear and cherish.
I have attended this year the local dawn service with colleagues from University. I find that the dawn service is definitely the most moving of all the services. Being able to stand in the stillness of the dawns waking light remembering and thanking those for their sacrifices that they have given .

Part of the tradition of Anzac Day sees attendees traditionally pinning a sprig of Rosemary to their lapel in honour of the memories of the fallen. The tradition of Rosemary dates back to Ancient times where it is belived to have properties of improving the memory. Further more to this bushes of Rosemary have been found growing in the wild on the Gallipoli Peninsular. This has been adopted as an icon and symbolises keeping the memory alive and strong in recognition of the fallen.
Anzac day is often best symbolised by the remembrance that it holds key. The Ode is read, followed by the last post to honour the fallen, this is then followed by two-minutes silence which is then broken by Reveille. This part of the ceremony is often the most poignant leaving many a tear in the eye of attendees.

The video below by Adam Brand ("The Anzac") show's some very powerful images of the Anzac's and an understanding of the ceremony.