ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is a public holiday in Australia that has growing popularity and meaning. April 25th marks the day in 1915 where the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp stormed Gallipoli in Turkey. Though it was ultimately a defeat, the day has come to represent the self-sacrifice and mateship that is integral to the Aussie spirit.

Since I have been in Australia, it is easy to see that American patriotism is unrivalled. Aussies are proud to be Australian, but there is something particularly special about the American sentiment. We wear American gear, wave our flags and defend our loyalties like no one else in the world. I was very interested to see what a day like ANZAC would bring as far as Aussie pride for country and those who have served it in the military and I was not disappointed in the honour present in their ceremonies.

This morning we woke up at 3:30am to power walk to the train station in order to catch a ride into the city for the dawn service. I was amazed by the multitude of people on the trains, or coming into Kings Park in cars, or on motorcycles and bikes. I found out later that there were an estimated 50,000 people at the event! When we found a spot on the lawn in the darkness of 5am, we were able to view an hour of footage from Australia's involvement in the two World Wars on one of the many giant screens set up around the park. After an explanation of how the ceremony would proceed, we stood in silence as wreaths were placed around the Great War Memorial. A Wing Commander of the Royal Australian Air Force gave a beautiful address in which he explained the significance of silence, remembrance, and the meaning of ANZAC Day. When the ceremony was finished, we were able to work our way through the crowds to the memorial and the lookout over the Perth City skyline. The sunrise was breathtaking!

By 7:30am, we had made our way down from Kings Park into the city to find a warm chai latte and wait for the parade. We were able to see the planes that were flying over just in between the skyscrapers. In our wanderings, we found the quaint London Court. It's a gorgeous street front building that opens into a little street made to look straight of London. Unfortunately, none of the shops were open since it was a public holiday but we enjoyed taking touristy pictures as always! The mounted police started off the parade at 9:30am and we got to wave our Aussie flags and cheer on as different troops marched past. Overall, it was a really great morning and entirely worth getting so little sleep!