ANZAC Day has always been a special day for me. When I was young, it was mainly because it is also my birthday but as I grew older and learned the meaning of this day and the reason we commemorate it, the day has become even more special for me. I remember in primary school we had a large elaborately framed painting (I suppose it was a print) depicting the landing at Gallipoli and I would stare at that painting and wonder at the bravery of those soldiers on the beach. Of course I was always the envy of my school mates because my birthday fell on a public holiday. As an adult my appreciation of this sacred day increased and I read all I could about the tragic Gallipoli campaign and the terrible Western front. When I began my oral history collection, I was determined to make my first (outside family) interview with a World War 1 veteran and he was a great privilege to meet. Sadly I think they are all gone now, at least in Australia. I have attended many ANZAC services over the years, as well as marches. I was most proud to attend a march a few years ago in which my son who was then serving in the Air Force marched. To my shame though, I have not yet attended a dawn service - but I hope to do so next year. This year I attended a local suburban service which attracted hundreds of people including many local schoolchildren. So the ANZAC spirit is alive and growing. LEST WE FORGET.
