Moments before the sun breaks over the horizon, a single, lone bugler will blast the haunting, solemn ‘The Last Post’ as she stands at rigid attention. The crowd falls into a comfortable and complete silence, heads fall to quiet contemplation of those who gave their lives in service to The Empire, and indeed their country. This is ANZAC Day 2018.
We remember those, not just who gave their lives, but those who fought, and witnessed the horrors of The Great War; indeed every war that Australia and our New Zealand brothers across the ditch, have fought in since.
For ANZAC Day is not just about honouring those who died, and paid the ultimate price for their country, but for those who went willingly across the globe prepared to make the same sacrifice, and the families who were left behind to receive a flag and box of medals when their loved ones did not return. It is about paying homage, an open and public respect to those who went, and returned with the horrors, tragedy and anguish permanently set in their minds. 
Whether it be a 90 year old vet, with walking frame and chest full of medals, a 25 year old fresh back from Afghanistan, or an 18 year old who has just signed up, should you meet someone today in uniform, or wearing their families medals, take 30 seconds to say thank you; for their, and their families sacrifice, without thought to their own well being. Showing respect and giving thanks is just a small way in which we can repay a tiny part of that debt. It may just make a returned vet’s day, especially so if they’re still fighting the demons of their wars even after coming home.
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.
Lest we forget.
Pat and everyone from the team at Pat Callinan Media are taking today, ANZAC Day 2018, to give our thanks to the service men and women and their families who have given up everything to keep us all safe back home.
