Although it's a relatively simple memorial service, each year the attendance grows. I think that this morning there was a crowd of 20,000 people standing there in the cold and dark pre-dawn service. That's not bad for a small city.
I arranged to go with Di, my neighbour 2-doors up the street. To be there on time we had to leave by 4:15am. Even the dogs didn't stir. It poured with rain off and on all night, with gale-force winds. We considered cancelling, but at 4am there was only a light drizzle, so we decided to go.
We were able to park in a nearby suburb and walk to the War Memorial. All the seating was taken so we stood just in front of the dais. It was strangely quiet given the number of people there, with most noise coming from the flagpoles and the cockatoos.
The service was short but good. And best of all the rain held off until 60 seconds after the service finished.
Despite the rain, we availed ourselves of the free coffee and Anzac biscuits, mainly to show appreciation to the volunteers who were manning the tables in the rain and wind.
We then walked through the War Memorial's gallery of names on the Roll of Honour, and then through the Hall of Remembrance.
By the time we got out it was about 6:30am and we could see that we were in for a cold, windy day.
We then went for breakfast in Civic. I called Karyn to invite her to breakfast, but she was still in bed and not in the mood. It was before 10am after all.
Standing in front of the stage.Not enough light for a good shot.
Me, rugged up for the cold.
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