Anzac Day at Gallipoli
What happens at this famous place on the 25th April?
Follow the Anzac 2002 group's experiences as the students stay overnight at the
Anzac Commemorative Site and then attend the two services on Anzac Day:
The Anzac Commemorative Site
The students were keen to experience all of the atmosphere of the overnight stay, so they set up camp right at the front on the afternoon of the 24th. They settled in for a long night. It ended up being a lot longer than they had anticipated.
"But here I am now sitting in front of the place where it all happened. We have set up our spot in front of the place where the Dawn Service is to be held. Everyone is laughing and joking and it is really exciting to see so many Aussies. We are like a group of our own and we all chat with anyone even though the only thing we have in common is the fact that we are Aussies. Never in my life have I ever used the fact that I am Australian so much." Jessica – journal 24/4/02As the night wore on and the cold set in things became quite a struggle. However, the great atmosphere, with thousands of Aussies and Kiwis all getting on so well, was some compensation for the discomfort.
The Dawn Service
With around 15 000 people packed into the Commemorative Site area, there was a general push for postions around 4 am. After a night of little or no sleep, it was a difficult hour or so standing waiting for the service began. There was a great feeling throughout the crowd as the service began. The realisation that we were standing there at the time when the first boats were coming ashore, made for some very reflective thinking.
The service itself was sombre and serious, which reflected the international nature of the service. Whilst the students were not happy with the media contingent constantly taking photos etc, the very fact that they were experiencing such a significant service in such a special place, ensured that the Dawn Service will be something they will remember forever.
"Seeing the sun rise over the Sphinx was amazing and I don‘t think I ever have or ever will hear a better rendition of the Aussie Anthem – that was enough to warm you up right there." Peter – journal 25/4/02"The band started playing at around 5 am & it wasn’t until 5.30 that the ceremony actually began. We heard many speakers & sung many hymns as the sun rose over the Sphinx behind us. However, my emotions only started to get going when the "Last Post" began. Every time I hear it, an eerie feeling runs through me. But never has it been as strong as today."
Tracey – journal 25/4/02The Lone Pine Service
Any lingering disappointments with the Dawn Service (mainly the media) were swept away in the surge of patriotism and excitement of the Australian Service at Lone Pine later in the day.
Whilst not as much is heard of this service, it is very significant as, unlike the Dawn Service, it is solely an Australian affair.
As the students arrived at the Lone Pine Cemetery, they felt a real sense of anticipation. The cemetery was packed with people, sitting and sleeping in the temporary stands, in amongst the headstones and under the descendant of the original lone pine.
As the crowd grew, so too did the atmosphere. Over 10 000 Australians filed into that relatively small area where so many of their ancestors fell in 1915. They brought with them an unmistakable Australian "feel" - laid back, cheerful – even larrikin at times. It was a beautiful warm day and an electric feeling came over the crowd as they waited for the service to begin.
Past diggers were given standing ovations as they arrived, a Mexican wave did the rounds of the stands and the crowd showed great vocal ability when the Airforce band struck up "I Still Call Australia Home". Another real highlight was the awarding of medals to the "forgotten" Australian peacekeepers who are still on active duty in the Middle East.
As mentioned, the Dawn Service was serious and sombre, which suited the atmosphere. Lone Pine, whilst paying the utmost homage and respect, was more of a celebration of our nationhood and of our pride in the achievements of the men buried on the peninsula. Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, delivered a very interesting speech, whilst the playing of the Last Post and National Anthem provided moments of reflection and national pride.
The students loved the whole experience – the build up and the service itself figure prominently in the travel journals that each kept:
"The Royal Australian Air Force Band played ‘I Still Call Australia Home’. The crowd was hyped and singing along. One guy in front of us held up his jar of vegemite. He followed this with his thong. The atmosphere was superb, like being in a stadium. I was exhilarated. I was so proud to be Australian. The Dawn Service paled in comparison to the Lone Pine Ceremony. It was fantastic." Katie Menzies – journal 25/4/02
"The atmosphere was amazing – the clapping, the cheering, the Aussie flags. I have never heard our national anthem or ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ sung so loudly or proudly. This is a once in a lifetime experience that has definitely changed the way I think about many things."Tracey James – journal 25/4/02
"I had to keep reminding myself that I was in fact in Turkey, not Australia.’ Bess Hopgood – journal 25/4/02
"The way I felt at that moment was something I never expected. I don’t consider myself a patriotic Australian …. but when I’m over here I just want to tell the whole world!" Christine Payne – journal 25/4/02
The greatest highlight for the students, though, was the involvement of one of the group members in the service itself. Tara Ward, whose relative was killed at Gallipoli, was chosen by the Federal Government to read an excerpt from the poem, "The Anzac Graves at Gallipoli".
Tara had spent many weeks rehearsing the poem and, despite the nerves of performing in front of 10 000 people at such an important occasion, her recital was flawless – she captured the emotion of the words beautifully and provided the crowd with a poignant insight into the tragedy and waste of the Gallipoli Campaign.
The Lone Pine Service was an experience the students will never forget. To share such a special occasion with so many fellow Australians so far from home was something very unique.
** For more quotes & photos, see "Lesson of a Lifetime".