The term 'ANZAC' for readers from the Northern Hemisphere is the name given to the combined force of First Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Army troops who landed on Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula at around dawn on Sunday 25th April, 1915 around nine months after the start of World War 1.
We had no idea what to expect but what we saw blew us away! There were hundreds of people coming out at this early time of the morning, the paper reported thousands which does not surprise me! The Dawn Service was absolutely brilliant! The setting, the organisation, the bagpipes and didgeridoo playing from the balcony above, the waves lapping in the background and having greater access to all in having the big screen televising it live to the crowds all added to the atmosphere of the solemn service. Even Mr Roo who is a Returned Soldier himself and had attended many services over the years was moved by the Service we experienced this morning.
We returned at 11am to watch the March down the esplanade of which the majority was navy participants. It was really interesting!
As Jess had the day off we spent the afternoon checking out the shops whilst the boys went to the local Australian Rules Football match between North Cairns Tigers and South Cairns Cutters which they really enjoyed!