ANZAC DAY

It’s finally here: Anzac Day. The Team arrived by bus and after joining the endless line of Aussies and Kiwis, we got through the stringent security to be greeted by a huge contingent of pilgrims sprawled out on the grass above Anzac Cove. With the Sphinx towering silently above us we squeezed into whatever space was available, the team sporadically mixed in with thousands of other Aussies and Kiwis. It took the sweet talking of our spiritual leader, Lionel, to secure a section of the VIP stand to the left of the main stage.
The service was amazing and continued throughout the night, with various documentaries and performances, all of which were intertwined with haunting and emotive music. Everybody weathered the numbing cold and howling wind, sitting in the stand wrapped in their sleeping bags, a sea of cocoons. Luckily the Under Armour and Snowgum sleeping bags kept the cold under control. The atmosphere was amazing, almost all kinds of emotion could be felt; anger, sadness, despair, hope, humour, thankfulness. Despite the harsh conditions, everybody was friendly and sociable with many new friends being made.
After the service at Anzac Cove, we took the long march up the dirt path to Lone Pine for the Australian service. With tired eyes and the cold wind still whistling around the solitary tree, we again paid respect to the diggers. The poignant moment of the morning came when Bernie Dingle laid a wreath on behalf of the MFB.