We weren’t alone, we left our hotel at 5.30am,
and arrive in a steady convoy of taxis,
it’s way too early for the trains!
We walk in silence.
The 4,500 gravestones at Kranji,
emerge from the shadows
in silent observation of events.
Once there, it is a well organised, dignified affair.
Public to the left and right,
official guests and dignitaries, straight up the middle.
The Anzac Day dawn service is the same the world over;
a military order, school children and scouts,
national anthems, wreath layers from all walks of life
and usually a slightly dodgy bugler or bagpipe players,
and despite the former, a haunting last post.
Followed by an uplifting Gunfire Breakfast.
We love the familiarity.
Even though we are new Australian citizens,
the ANZAC dawn service is now something we do!
Last year Hong Kong, this year Singapore,
I whisper to my husband
‘Let’s make sure 2016 is somewhere good too!’
We know our service here in Singapore
will mirror services already held in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland.
The same words will be spoken for the 10,000 people
who have made the journey over to Gallipoli, Turkey
in this the centenary year.
By 5.45 am it is standing room only.
No-one complains.
A warm, muggy Singapore day breaks,
Whilst the School choir launch into ‘Always Remember’,
the birds chirp their own loud dawn chorus from in the trees.
Swifts stretch their wings,
swooping and diving as if excited to see us.
So what is this day that we are celebrating
and why do we celebrate
what the BBC describes as a military disaster?!
Anzac Day is one of those days that our friends from far off lands
often know very little about.
But for Aussies and Kiwis it is an important
national day of remembrance,
a day in which the ANZAC spirit was forged.
is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand
on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915.
The bravery of all military personnel who participated in this campaign
and the lives of those who died in all military actions are remembered.
ANZAC day is celebrated Australia-wide,
to join an important commemoration from the Homeland.
Not to be missed.
This seems particularly poignant in 2015,
Away from all the action as the chairs are being tidied away
a small gecko suns himself on the top of a tombstone.
He carries his own war wound, his tail damaged.
I sit with him and wonder if the world is learning.
we see news headlines of an alleged terrorist plot to attack
To commemorate ANZAC Day and sacrifices made,
We pay tribute to all those who have served.
Lest we forget
This is a potential question on the Australian citizenship test
- A) The landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove
- B) The arrival of the first free settlers from Great Britain
- C) The landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, Turkey
