Anzac Day

As an Australian, I seem to be ticking things of the list that bring us together. I did not see Uluru until December 2010. For those who haven't seen it, do it. It is worth it.

To my shame, I live across the road from the Cenotaph in Wallsend yet had never attended the dawn service on Anzac Day. Rather, I would lie ensconced under doona and wonder what the bugle and all the noise was about on a public holiday.

My fiancee Louise encourages me to do things I haven not done. Generally, she is right about things and she was keen to go. So today, I got out of bed at 4.50 am. I was unaware until now that there are more than one 5 o'clocks in the day.

I was struck by the turn out. The extraordinary number of people that marched from the RSL on this cold wednesday morning was extraordinary. What struck me more was seeing the grey haired old ladies laying wreaths for there lost ones and also the young children.

I will be going next year. There is something about it. Not sure what. A sense of community and mutual sorrow and respect.