Anzac Day in Canberra

What a special morning.

The Werner family made the effort to get going at 3am in Canberra to join an estimated 120,000 people at the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial.
The service started at 4:30 but we chose to go early to ensure a reasonable spot within the amphitheatre.  The readings before the dawn service started proper were very poignant and set the scene of remembrance.

The service proper started with the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo coming from the top of the War Memorial.  Later the Last Post echoed through the gum trees over the absolute silence of 120,000 people. Enough to bring tears to the eyes.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, gave an absolutely stirring commemorative address. He not only brought the futility and sacrifice of 100 years ago to life but also presented the line that connects today back to those who fought for us.  His final words: 
"We have not forgotten and we are defined, at least in part, by that act of remembrance. It makes us who we are and reminds us, in the face of unknown future, who we can be - courageous and compassionate, resolute and resilient, - a people of our time, reaching back one hundred years with pride and solemnity, looking forward with sense of purpose to a better world."

Some of the 120,000 attendees.