Today the hall was veiled for Anzac Day. Normally, this would have been done earlier, and there would be more, but it’s a little more difficult nowadays.
In the last half a dozen years or so, the traditional Anzac Dawn Service has attracted so many people that we have taken to holding it at the hall. It is usually followed by a gunfire breakfast and a few games of two-up. The hall is bedecked with the poppies, and filled with memorabilia of most of the conflicts our nation has experienced.
As we are unable to do this tomorrow, a movement has been gathering momentum for people to observe this solemn occasion by standing in their driveways at 6am. The ABC will be broadcasting the Dawn Service from the Australian War Memorial, starting at 5.55am (delayed for us), so you can stand in your driveway, and listen to the radio.
This will be an important part of our social history. Even though, around the time of the Vietnam War, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day lost favour with the community, in recent years we have learned more and understand better the significance of remembering those lost to conflict, and those who served, and who are still serving.
The old saying goes that if we don’t learn from history, we are condemned to repeat it. Whatever way you decide to commemorate Anzac Day, or not at all, our thoughts will be with those who suffered, and who still suffer.
If you are standing in your driveway in solidarity with those who choose to commemorate, please send us some photos so we can share with our community via the newsletter, and also by recording this for our history.
mtpleasantbeat@gmail.com
Thank you.
