Does anyone know if there is a firework on this day?
I found nothing in the web about it.
Thanks,
Sabine

Hi Sabine,

i don't think they normally have fireworks on ANZAC day, but i could be wrong.

is anyone going to the dawn service?

Uh, no firework??? The last one here was sooo nice. What is the dawn service? Is it sth that would be interesting for my in-laws?

Fireworks at an Anzac ceremony??? Are you serious???

I could think of nothing less appropriate. We may as well hold an "Australian Idol" style competition where the winner gets to sing "The Last Post" on Anzac Day.

The Dawn Service is a beautiful ceremony with speeches by various people like the Governor General, Prime Minister etc.

There is the laying of the wreaths and a solemn rememberance of the soldiers who died whilst fighting for Australia in the various conflicts.

It used to be candlelit, but I'm pretty sure this was stopped for safety reasons and most people just hold their illuminated mobile phones aloft.

I've been once to the Dawn service here in Canberra. It is a very early start (think we had to be there by 5.00am or something like that) and finishes after 6.00am.

A lot of cafes open at 6.00 so you can go out for breakfast afterwards, but checking/booking ahead is advisable, as is actually getting to the Dawn Service early as you have to park miles away.

If it wasn't for having DD 23 months and DS 8 weeks, I would really want to go as it's something everyone should do who lives here in Canberra, even if it is only once.

Hope this helps

Karen

Sabine, you might be getting ANZAC Day mixed up with Australia Day?

Hi Sabine,

(Anyone in defence feel free to correct me if I make any mistakes here).

Anzac Day is our day of remembrance for those who died or were injured during any of the wars (but started with WW1), and to thank the survivors. It is not to celebrate war but to commemerate it.

Traditionally we hold dawn services at various locations around Australia (the biggest at the War Memorial here in Canberra), followed by a huge march past for the survivors or their relatives. The march is usually shown on TV. The soldiers marching then have big re-union lunches with their battalions etc.

It is a public holiday, and it is illegal for shops etc to open before noon, out of respect. Clubs and pubs often have a gambling game called "Two-up" which is the only day of the year it is legal to play, except in casinos. It was traditionally played by our soldiers for entertainment.

Hope that helps!

I will be attending the dawn service with DH (possibly if he could be bothered), otherwise I'll be going by myself.

It is a very touching service and definately worth attending for those that haven't been before.

Tara

DH will be going to the Dawn Service and doing the 10am march...

I would like to go, since this is our last yr in Canberra ... I think we should make the most of it... not sure whether getting three kiddies up before the crack of dawn is doable though

I'm really looking forward to it!

DH marches every year and for civilians, yeah it may be a remembrance thing - but for us its a time to get together with other navy mates we don't get to see often and drink too much rum and milk and tell waries.

We arn't going to the dawn service - too boring and cold, instead marching then doing lunch somewhere.

I wouldn't mind some fireworks - where the dawn service is suppose to remind you of the dawn attacks in WW1 maybe some fireworks might remind people about our guys fighting in Iraq.

Sorry, no fireworks on ANZAC day. I think you are getting confused with Australia day.

Cheers

O.K. .... it seems that I made a total idiot of myself with this question. Could blame my "not-Australian-background" for this ... but will not do it - I blame myself because we have a similar day at home .

I am sorry and apologize!

Sabine

Hi Sabine - You can find info about ANZAC day at this website http://www.awm.gov.au/ - including timings.
The March at 10am is great - My daughter loves it as she wears mine and DH's medals (its very cute)

The Dawn Service here is especially beautiful as have the ones I have attended around Australia and I will agree it can be a little cold but definately NOT BORING (IMO thats a horrible way to describe Dawn Service) and whilst I will admit it is a time for some to catch up and have a few too many rums it is about rememberance of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice

Err guys I was going to say give Sabine a break re the celebration aspect since she is from overseas.

It's been years since I went to a Dawn Service here in Canberra - but I would definitely recommend attending one. And I think that provided you give them a bit of background beforehand that your in-laws would find it very interesting.

And if you're interested in other aspects of WWI history then I'd recommend renting "Gallipoli" on DVD or a mini-series called "1915" if you can get hold of it.

I will be taking DD to a Dawn Service when she is a little older - maybe 7 or 8? I attended my first ones in suburban Sydney when I was in Girl Guides (ie age 10-14) but never went in to Martin Place.



Calling the Dawn Service boring is in one way understandable but also incredibly insensitive. It's like complaining that a funeral was boring ...

Steph

Steph, you summed up everything I wanted to say in response to some of the replies in this thread.

Sabine, you have definitely not been an idiot - as a newcomer to Australia, you're not to necessarily know the significance of this day. I bet if I moved to your home country I'd be at a loss about some of the important dates there.

Also, don't forget the Olympic torch relay is advertising fireworks for dawn on 24 April (the day before Anzac Day), so Sabine you might be thinking of that as well?

It is also a little odd for me as ANZAC day is my wedding aniversary. The UK (and Australia to some extent) remember at 11am on 11th November.

Sorry Sabine I am going off topic here but in regards to a previous post, I would think that ANZAC day (yes while it is based on a predominatley Army action) would have great significance for Navy this year as it is the first ANZAC day since the discovery of HMAS Sydney and I am sure will be an emotional time for many current and ex-navy families.

Dont get me wrong I am looking forward to catching up with old mates and having a drink or 2 but it still shouldnt take away from the significance of the day.

Just my 2 cents worth

Sabine - no need to apologise

I love the Dawn Service, wouldn't miss it. I find it hard to describe the feeling I get when there, it gives me goosbumps (not from the cold!). I feel great pride, sorrow, peace all in one. It's very moving, my eyes well up as I look around and see people's faces, parents holding their children, grandparents with their grandchildren, war vetarans and current servicemen. Definitely not boring and a wonderful experience for overseas visitors.

I love the sound of the bugle (sp?)...and during the minute of silence I love looking up into the trees and watching the cockatoos make a racket.

ETA spelling

QUOTE

O.K. .... it seems that I made a total idiot of myself with this question. Could blame my "not-Australian-background" for this ... but will not do it - I blame myself because we have a similar day at home .

I am sorry and apologize!

No need to apologise, how were you to know.

I would suggest the dawn service as it is a very moving aspect of Anzac day. If you have the in laws you should take them to your local club in the afternoon for a game of 2 up, this is a total Aussie Anzac day experience

Ask all the questions you want in regards to this day, no need to feel shy or ashamed because you have no idea. We wouldn't expect you to.

DH really wants to get me to the dawn service but as it is my birthday I much prefer to sleep in and relax

But we will go no doubt when Alex is older.

Oh wow nut, you're special to have your birthday on Anzac day. At least you know you will always have the day off I remember when my twins were in hospital after they were born on the Anzac day, all the babies born that day were so special

I was going to say something about the fireworks for the torch relay the day before. I think it is very confusing having the torch relay the day before ANZAC day.

I don't go to the dawn service but my husband marches at the 10am March. We won't be going to the march because we have a guest coming to visit on ANZAC day. But i have been most years to the march it is a lovely and emotional tribute to fallen soldiers.

Sabine - please don't apologise, you weren't to know and I actually think that some people on here have been quite rude.

from reading the other fireworks thread *I* thought the fireworks were on anzac day i've never been good at skim reading though.

sabine, you probably know as much about anzac day as me and i've lived with it for nearly 40 years!

Thanks for the support ladies!!!!
I unpacked my australian (history) book and try to study .

If you have any questions on Australian history, ask away.

I am SO not a dawn person, particularly not in Canberra , but my dh has taken our sons to the dawn service and they've all found it very moving.

We go to see the march most years and it's always very interesting with lots for the children to look at. It can get a bit long and crowded if you're taking a toddler so my tip is to be prepared to leave early if you need to.

Going to watch the Anzac Day march in Sydney was part of my family tradition when I was growing up, and I really love the fact that it continues for my children .

Because school will still be on holiday for Anzac Day our school held their service over a week ago, so we've had an extended Anzac period this year!

Yes, and I can't wait! I love the Dawn Service at the War Memorial... the cold and the darkness make it a beautiful service.

The last time I was at the War Memorial I was moved to tears as I imagined what the servicemen had gone through. I also use it as time to think of my friends who are in the War Zone now!!

My husband and I have attended the dawn service every year, he is away on deployment at present, but I will still be attending this year.

Not only is it a day to commemorate the past wars, but also the present.

To me its the most important day of the year, to remember what our soliders sacrificed and to pray that our soliders today are returned home safely to all of their families waiting for them.