Lest We Forget
On Anzac Day we stop to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of men and women who serve and served our nation in times of war and peace. Veterans of the past proudly display their medals soldiers of today boldly wear their uniforms. Families of veterans who have passed on honour their memory by wearing medals awarded when the battle was over.
The Dawn Service observed on Anzac Day has its origins in an operational routine which is still observed by the Australian Army today. The half-light of dawn plays tricks with soldiers’ eyes and from the earliest times the half-hour or so before dawn with all its grey misty shadows became of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were therefore woken up in the dark before dawn so that by the time the first dull grey light crept across the battlefield they were awake alert and manning their weapons. This was and still is known as “Stand-to’. It was also repeated at sunset.
After the 1st World War returned soldiers sought the comradeship they felt in those quiet peaceful moments before dawn. With symbolic links to the dawn landing at Gallipoli a dawn stand-to or dawn ceremony became a common form of Anzac Day remembrance during the 1920s.
The Ode
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 sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
[i]Response[/i]We will remember them.
The Last Post
The Last Post historically has been used to signify the end of the day. It is played during commemorative ceremonies to serve as a tribute to the dead.
A Period of Silence
Silence for one or two minutes gives an opportunity for reflection on the significance of the day and is a sign of respect.
Reveille and Rouse
In major ceremonies the Last Post is normally followed by Rouse except at the Dawn Service with Reveille is played. Historically Reveille woke the soldier at dawn.