anzac day

[Pinkbits]

I attended my first dawn service this morning on my way home from work at the Cranbourne RSL and i am so glad i did, it's something i've wanted to do for a while.
A lone piper wandering through the crowd (that i estimate @ around 300) was really haunting & made the hairs on my neck stand up.
The makeup of the people that attended was varied. RSL officials & members, local councillors, police & CFA members & members of the Vietnam vets m/cycle club, as well as the Lions club who were providing breakfast for all.

But what caught my eye the most were the mums & dads with children of all ages, young couples, older couples, a scout group & teenagers in groups as well as by themselves. All there for one reason only.
The RSL were selling dawn service ribbons as well as handing out poppies & glow sticks for the kids. A very nice gesture.
A native New Zealand lady sang their national anthem in maori then sang the national anthems of both countries.
In his speach the club president said that it was great to see the turn out of so many young people & he felt comfortable that when they are gone the tradition will still be upheld with the next generations.
Another thing that made me proud was the respect shown when the piper began to play. People who had hats/beanies etc, immediately removed them.
I'll definately be attending again next year.

Lest we forget.