IT is just before dawn, it is still, it is dark. It is cool, it is clear, there are sounds of a dog’s bark.
I pause at the end of Compass Court, listening to a story on the radio with a battle that was bravely fought.
Headlights moving up through the darkness from Kingfisher towards Expedition Drive, a glimpse of light in the eastern horizon gives us hint of a clear blue sky.
I hear a bugle play, my thoughts are away.
This is a very special tradition, and Anzac way.
A kookaburra sits in a tree, vocal and proudly.
He gestures an iconic noise right on time, quite a distance away, yet loudly.
Standing as one on the edge of the North Para River, embarking on remembering their outcomes, makes me nervous and shiver.
Over the tall gums of Hewett, we hear proceedings at Pioneer Park, our personal shrine to remember them, sitting proud and stands stark.
Our journey to the Dawn Service takes no more than five minutes, the crowd is solemn, the speeches are precise, and the mateship is humble within us.
Just over 100 years ago they were bravely about to fight.
Separated by time and circumstances as I watch day stumble from night.
One minute of silence is never enough, as we listen to their stories of a life very tough.
I ponder, what would the fallen be thinking from the grave?
As an Anzac medal glistens in the streetlight, like our freedom that was saved.
A generation that knew no other than to fight for their existence, Our current generation of youth standing still, stood in awe, displaying Anzac persistence.
There is a flickering flame, we remember their names, the world as they knew it would be never the same.
Lighting up the dawn, listening to the Last Post echo in the morn.
We thank them for their sacrifice, we thank them for our freedom.
A very grateful April 25, gives us something to believe in.
The service is respectful as my thoughts are tense and afraid.
2024 we gather as one on a memorable Anzac Day.
The sun rises to dry the tears filled up in our tired, blurry eyes, While we are haunted by reflective Anzac tunes on the radio with pride.
I Was Only Nineteen plays with honour, an everlasting four minutes twenty-seven, An Australian song that sends chills, from our feet to the gates of heaven.
An AFL tradition with the Anzac clash between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG, with a local game at Goodger Park later that night, the Tigers versus the mighty Donnies.
I read the lyrics of an Anzac song written by Jacob Vincent called What Would I Say, with a game of two-up that is a must, because that is the Australian way.
A nation that we adore, Anzac Day 2024.
Sean Carmody, Hewett
