On the eve of Anzac Day 2018, the setting sun provided a fitting commemorative backdrop to the day which was next to dawn.Pink skies morphed into fiery orange. A sunset befitting to the memory of so many lives lost.

This year, our choice was to attend the Pinnaroo Service, held amongst the War Graves at dawn, A heart wrenching location at the best of times.

To see so many gathered to keep the memories of those incredible souls alive, including many from the younger generations, is heartwarming.

Pink tinged the grey clouds as the sun rose over the cemetery. Tall palms standing proudly in their specific spots, set off by the carpet of neatly mowed lawns surrounding the graves. Wafts of rosemary scent drift through the air.

Medals are worn on the left if you’ve served, on the right if wearing on behalf of your family family or others who served.

The speeches, the Ode & the wreath laying, are the foundation for the haunting bugle, breaking the silence with the eerie sounds of The Last Post, playing either side of the minutes silence.

As the tears slide down, the National anthems of New Zealand and Australia are played, sending a massive wave of pride and patriotism across the assembled crowd.

All over Australia, New Zealand and in many parts of the world, commemorative services and parades take place. It is a time for the generations of the future to honour and remember those who made sacrifices for our freedom, and those who continue to bear the burden of wounds from the far too many wars our troops and support crews, have fought.

The Ode of Remembrance – Laurence Binyon (Extract from his poem For The Fallen)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget❤️