What is your first memory of ANZAC Day?

My first memory of ANZAC day is marching as a Brownie in our local parade and service.

I knew we had family members who had served but I was well into my 20s and 30s before I really started to ask more questions of my grandparents and understood our families full story.

I have two great grandfathers who fought in WW1 and another great grandfather who was captured in WW2 and held in Germany POW camps for over 4 years. He came home and was institutionalised in Bundoora repatriation hospital as he struggled to cope upon his return.

I have uncles and cousin who have served and my brother has recently transitioned out of ADF.

ANZAC day has always been a day of reflection for me and now that I have an even greater understanding of our families sacrifices it means even more to me to spend this time in reflection and appreciation for all they have done.

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Wow @Captain24 , thank you so much for commenting and sharing your memories of ANZAC Day ❤️

That's such a powerful memory; having such a specific spot to stand. I completely understand how sad it can be when you can't attend the service. That has happened to me quite a few times. The first year I attended a Dawn Service without my Dad (who is still alive) was really hard too.

It's so cool that your Dad has his brothers medals. I know they would have meant a lot to your uncle.

@chibam It's so beautiful how you remember those details. I also remember bits and pieces like that. I always remember how cold it was during the Dawn Service and how I was almost always wearing a beanie that itched my head. I also love that two of the main things you remember involve other people and their small acts of kindness towards you ❤️

@DogMan79 That's an interesting perspective actually, and I think I also see a bit of that perspective coming from some Millennials and Gen Z in particular.

While I'm definitely not "pro-war" and absolutely acknowledge the atrocities that it brings, this doesn't mean that I cannot also acknowledge the impact that this loss and sacrifice has had on veterans and their families.

It fills me with so much pride @0ddsidian

Hi @brightNsparkly,! Thanks for sharing, and welcome to the SANE Forums.

It sounds like your family has some strong ties to the ADF. How long ago did your brother transition out? Will this be his first ANZAC Day since transitioning?

I totally get that @Captain24. My Dad has both original and replica medals from his service, so fortunately both my sister and I will be able to have those as a memory one day.

Will you be able to attend a service / march this year?

No I will miss this year unfortunately as I’ll be at work @0ddsidian. I won’t make it for the next 3 years with the way my roster works.

Dad’s siblings all have replica medals done so they all have a set.

A few years ago I was on the war memorial site and ordered his army records. It states that it was friendly fire and where he was wounded. It was quite confronting. I gave them to mum to discuss with dad as to what he wanted to see.

That's frustrating, @Captain24. A bunch of us will be working on ANZAC Day, so feel free to jump in and have a chat if you're up for it on Friday.

That's such confronting information to find out 😔