ANZAC Day, held each year on April 25th, is the Australian equivalent of both Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Patriotic traditions are held across Australia and New Zealand to remember those who have fought in the wars. Although I do not have any personal connections that have fought for Australia, I still find it interesting to see how other countries honor those who have served in the military.
I walked downtown to watch the parade, which started at a much more reasonable hour of 9AM. It was raining pretty heavily, but that didn't stop people from lining the streets with their umbrellas. Unfortunately, anyone marching didn't have the luxury of staying dry.
The parade was much different than anything I have seen in the United States. Veterans marched with their military battalions - each displaying a banner that listed the military division and service locations. Many of the divisions are dwindling in size as the veterans continue to age (and pass away), but it was clear that participation brings a great sense of pride. Some walked slowly with canes, while others were confined to wheelchairs. I even noticed younger people marching with photos of servicemen who are now deceased.
After the parade is over, most veterans spend the afternoon drinking with old friends and reminiscing with stories from their days in the service (which probably get repeated year after year). The non-veterans also drink...because it's a fun thing to do on a public holiday. Everyone comes together to play a traditional gambling game called "two-up", which was popular among soldiers during World War I. Simply speaking, people bet on whether the coins will land on heads or tails.
I couldn't help but smile as I experienced the inter-generational camaraderie throughout the city. Elderly service men and women are the heros in Australia - at least on this one day - and they happily accept gratitude from people around my age who have never lived through a major global conflict.
In true Australian style, ANZAC Day started with a somber salute to those who have died in the wars, but it ended with celebration of all who served.
The day starts with a dawn service at 4AM, which is more of a somber event that quietly commemorates the soldiers who died in the wars. I did not wake up for this, but the news channels showed huge crowds at the ANZAC memorial in Sydney. The images reminded me of the Memorial Day services from my own hometown (and many others) across the United States.
I walked downtown to watch the parade, which started at a much more reasonable hour of 9AM. It was raining pretty heavily, but that didn't stop people from lining the streets with their umbrellas. Unfortunately, anyone marching didn't have the luxury of staying dry.
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| Braving the rain to celebrate Australia's veterans on ANZAC Day |
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| Patriotic spirits run high |
The parade was much different than anything I have seen in the United States. Veterans marched with their military battalions - each displaying a banner that listed the military division and service locations. Many of the divisions are dwindling in size as the veterans continue to age (and pass away), but it was clear that participation brings a great sense of pride. Some walked slowly with canes, while others were confined to wheelchairs. I even noticed younger people marching with photos of servicemen who are now deceased.
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| The 7th Division of the Australian Air Force passes along the route |
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| Mobility is an issue for some of the older veterans |
I was really impressed by the high level of mutual support - both on the side of the crowd and also from those marching in the seemingly endless parade of veterans. Almost everyone watching the parade was wearing a sprig of rosemary, which serves as a symbol of remembrance. Meanwhile, the veterans proudly display rows of medals from their days in the military.
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| Marchers express their gratitude for the support along the parade route |
After the parade is over, most veterans spend the afternoon drinking with old friends and reminiscing with stories from their days in the service (which probably get repeated year after year). The non-veterans also drink...because it's a fun thing to do on a public holiday. Everyone comes together to play a traditional gambling game called "two-up", which was popular among soldiers during World War I. Simply speaking, people bet on whether the coins will land on heads or tails.
I couldn't help but smile as I experienced the inter-generational camaraderie throughout the city. Elderly service men and women are the heros in Australia - at least on this one day - and they happily accept gratitude from people around my age who have never lived through a major global conflict.
In true Australian style, ANZAC Day started with a somber salute to those who have died in the wars, but it ended with celebration of all who served.
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