GlenysAnzac Day Dawn Service, Anzac Cove, Gallipoli
April 24th 2011 00:54
... flowers say it all ...
Having attended many Anzac Day Services in Australia, our visit to Gallipoli was planned with much excitement and anticipation. To actually be attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove, was a dream come true.
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At about 11pm on 24th April we left our accommodation and travelled by bus to the dropping off point for people who were attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Armed with torches and a packed breakfast we walked some distance before arriving at the security check point which would lead us into the area where the Dawn Service was to be held. We chose our seats and settled down for the 5-6 hour wait for dawn to arrive.
In a fenced off area, just below the chairs, were dozens of people in sleeping bags. They looked like a colony of seals snuggled down for the night.
We had been warned of the cold but we were not prepared for the long, freezing night ahead. Three layers of clothes, gloves, a beanie and a couple of rugs did not prevent us from being very cold and stiff for most of the night.
Every year, on April 25th, Australia and New Zealand celebrate Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. Anzac Day is a national public holiday and remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand.
April 25th, 1915, was the day the Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli and it was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Australians and New Zealanders recognise the 25th April as a ceremonial occasion to reflect on the futility of war and to remember those who have fought and lost their lives for their country.
For many years now the meaning of the day has extended beyond the First World War. It has been broadened to include all those who have fought and died in all the military operations in which the countries have been involved.
Looking out over Anzac Cove - wreaths laid during the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Cove, 2009
Having attended many Anzac Day Services in Australia, our visit to Gallipoli was planned with much excitement and anticipation. To actually be attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove, was a dream come true.
----------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------
At about 11pm on 24th April we left our accommodation and travelled by bus to the dropping off point for people who were attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Armed with torches and a packed breakfast we walked some distance before arriving at the security check point which would lead us into the area where the Dawn Service was to be held. We chose our seats and settled down for the 5-6 hour wait for dawn to arrive.
In a fenced off area, just below the chairs, were dozens of people in sleeping bags. They looked like a colony of seals snuggled down for the night.
We had been warned of the cold but we were not prepared for the long, freezing night ahead. Three layers of clothes, gloves, a beanie and a couple of rugs did not prevent us from being very cold and stiff for most of the night.
Waiting for the Dawn - Anzac Cove, Gallipoli
Dawn is Getting Closer ...
... and closer ...
Dawn - Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, Turkey, 25th April 2009.
Having breakfast - Anzac Cove
Anzac Cove after the Anzac Day Dawn Service, 25th April, 2009 - how peaceful it looks on this morning.
Dipping my fingers into the waters of Anzac Cove after the Dawn Service.
Every year, on April 25th, Australia and New Zealand celebrate Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. Anzac Day is a national public holiday and remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand.
April 25th, 1915, was the day the Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli and it was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Australians and New Zealanders recognise the 25th April as a ceremonial occasion to reflect on the futility of war and to remember those who have fought and lost their lives for their country.
For many years now the meaning of the day has extended beyond the First World War. It has been broadened to include all those who have fought and died in all the military operations in which the countries have been involved.
*** sometimes the best experiences are worth the wait ***
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