A personal reflection on Anzac Day

It’s hard to maintain authenticity regarding Anzac Day when commemorations seem to run for a week, and one football commentator last night used the term “Anzac festivities” in relation to the pre-game ceremony. Since when did Anzac Day become a festival?

This morning’s dawn service at the Narrabri RSL was well attended despite the very cold weather. There were people from all walks of life. Some were wearing uniforms, a few formally dressed, many rugged up in their winter woollies, others in work attire, and one or two wearing shorts! An acquaintance of mine arrived with a glisten of sweat on his brow, having jogged over to the Narrabri West memorial service at 5am and then hot footed it back to the RSL for the 6am service. That’s dedication.

After the service, I was speaking with family friends when their young son piped up to ask why people were wearing rosemary at the service. None of the assembled adults could give an acceptable answer so Google was consulted. We were duly informed that rosemary is an ancient symbol of remembrance and it also grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey.

To me this is what Anzac Day is all about. It’s about taking the time to pause and remember. Remember those who have served in years gone by, remember those who are currently serving, and to consider those who may need to serve in years to come.

I don’t want festivities. I don’t want multiple Anzac sporting matches. A ceremony at the chill of dawn where our community gathers as one to remember the enormous sacrifices that have been made is the perfect Anzac Day for me.

And I will ensure that I’m wearing a sprig of rosemary next year.

Michael Guest

Pic: The war memorial at Narrabri RSL, dawn service 2021.

Posted on Sunday, 25 April 2021
by Michael Guest in Latest News

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A personal reflection on Anzac Day

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