Anzac Cove

 

The ship slowed to a crawl, the sun peeped over the Anzac beaches and 2000 passengers gathered on the upper deck to pay tribute to those brave young men and women who sacrificed their lives in this corner of the world – so far from home.

Brave gentlemen and women whose faces are lined with the passing years, drank shots of warm milk and rum as their medals gleaned in the early morning light –flags were lowered to half mast -  we joined the choir in the singing on Amazing Grace and Abide with Me - the lone bugler played The Last Post and Reveille – sprigs of rosemary were pinned to shirts and worn with pride  - heads bowed in prayer – national anthems were sung with gusto - and  there was hardly a dry eye as we slowly cruised along this deceptively peaceful section of coast which has so many stories to tell and as we reflected on this sad piece of our collective history and those traditional Anzac biscuits were passed around on this cool morning – national pride shone on every face.

Congratulations to all the veterans and the ship’s crew who were responsible for planning and presenting this wonderful service - - we really appreciated your efforts.