Anzac Day, 25th April, was always a day of great significance in my family.
We went to the morning services only, as the dawn service was only for the returned soldiers in the main then. We could never understand why they needed to have two services, after all we held a march before we laid wreaths at the war memorial. It was with sombre faces that the chosen children would lay a wreath. Then it was three steps backwards, bow your head and wait... for either your parents, or a member of the RSL (Returned Services League), to tap you gently on the shoulder and you would return to your place. I can still hear the haunting sounds of The Last Post being played on the bugle, accompanied by quiet sobbing from many gathered around, particularly one of the older women, who had lost three sons in WWI. She held her head high, but the tears rolled freely down her cheeks. Hers was always the last wreath to be laid. Each year, she would place a wreath of hand made red crepe poppies, with three white poppies in the centre, one for each son. Then she would quietly take the sprig of rosemary from her dress and lay it at the base of the memorial on the side where her son's names were and walk home alone. She had many friends, but kindly declined their offers of company and spent this day alone. When she passed away, her grave was honoured with white handmade crepe paper poppies... and a sprig of rosemary.
Crissouli (c)
This is beautiful Chris! That poor woman, can't imagine such heartache. I too remember our Anzac day commemorations in our small country town. I was a Brownie, and then a Girl Guide, and we marched up the main street to the war memorial where an ecumenical service was held. My dad, being an Anglican clergyman, always took part in the service, but he was also a returned serviceman, and my mum too in the AWAS.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Seems our memories were similar in some ways..I remember feeling very proud when we were involved in the services.
DeleteAs a mother, I can't imagine what that poor lady went through either. I appreciate your comments.