Every year on April 25th, my grandad puts on his medals, carefully pinned to his jacket, and joins a procession of other veterans in the ANZAC Day march. It is a powerful sight, one filled with emotion, pride, and remembrance. My grandad marches not just for himself, but for the mates he served with, for those who never came home, and for the generations who must never forget the cost of war. His steps, though slower with age, carry the weight of history and the spirit of those who served before and after him.
The Significance of ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The date marks the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. Although the campaign failed to achieve its objectives, the bravery and sacrifice of the ANZAC troops left a lasting legacy and became a symbol of national identity.
More Than a Day of Mourning
For many families, including mine, ANZAC Day is not just about remembering the dead, but also honoring the living. It is about acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members and the continued legacy of courage and resilience. The march, the dawn services, and the ceremonies all serve as a reminder of the deep connection between military history and personal stories.
My Grandad’s Story
My grandad served in the Australian Army during a period of intense international conflict. He was young when he enlisted, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect his country. His service took him to unfamiliar lands, where he faced danger, uncertainty, and the harsh realities of combat. Though he rarely talks about the war in detail, his presence in the ANZAC Day march says more than words ever could.
Marching with Pride
When he marches, he wears his uniform jacket with quiet dignity. His medals shine brightly, representing his years of service, his courage, and his survival. He never marches alone. Beside him are old friends and fellow veterans, each one with a story to tell. Some use walking sticks, others are pushed in wheelchairs, but all of them march in solidarity. The crowds that gather to watch often cheer and clap, a gesture of appreciation that means the world to these aging heroes.
The Generational Connection
For younger generations, seeing veterans like my grandad march is a living history lesson. Children wave flags and ask questions, while parents try to explain what war was like and why it matters. My grandad always says that if we forget our past, we risk repeating it. His participation in the march is as much about education as it is about remembrance.
Family Legacy and Tradition
Over the years, ANZAC Day has become a family tradition. We wake up early and attend the dawn service together. We wear sprigs of rosemary, a symbol of remembrance, and listen to the Last Post with heavy hearts. Watching my grandad in the march is the most emotional part of the day. It’s not just pride it’s a deep, overwhelming respect for everything he endured and everything he stands for.
The Symbolism Behind the March
Marching on ANZAC Day carries great symbolic meaning. For many veterans, it’s a way of reconnecting with their past and honoring fallen comrades. For their families, it’s an opportunity to show support and to keep the memory of their loved ones alive. Each step taken in the parade is a tribute to service, sacrifice, and national pride.
Community and National Unity
One of the most touching aspects of the ANZAC Day march is how it brings people together. Regardless of age, background, or beliefs, Australians and New Zealanders unite in shared remembrance. It is a day of reflection, but also of solidarity. From the smallest towns to the biggest cities, communities come out to watch and participate. My grandad always says that the march reminds him that the country still cares, and that what they did wasn’t forgotten.
Challenges of Aging Veterans
As the years go on, fewer veterans are able to participate in the march. Age and health take their toll, and each year, the group grows smaller. My grandad has mentioned this with quiet sadness. He knows that someday he may no longer be able to walk the route. But until that day comes, he will be there, marching proudly, medals gleaming, remembering those who marched beside him in years past.
Young People Taking Up the Mantle
Increasingly, younger generations are stepping in to march in honor of their relatives. Children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren wear their ancestor’s medals on the right side of their chest, signifying that they march in their memory. It is a beautiful continuation of the ANZAC spirit. My cousin and I have both said that when Grandad can no longer march, we will do it for him, ensuring his story is never lost.
Why the March Matters
The ANZAC Day march is more than just a parade. It is a statement a declaration that we value courage, sacrifice, and service. It reminds us of the cost of freedom and the importance of peace. For veterans like my grandad, it is a deeply personal journey. For the rest of us, it is a powerful reminder to honor the past and protect the future.
A March of Memory and Hope
As the march concludes and my grandad stands quietly among his fellow veterans, there is always a moment of silence. That silence speaks volumes. It is filled with memories, gratitude, and reverence. Watching him, I feel a mixture of pride, sorrow, and love. His steps, though measured and slow, carry with them a legacy that touches us all. ANZAC Day, through the eyes of my grandad, is not just a historical event it is a living tradition, and a reminder that bravery, honor, and sacrifice must always be remembered.