Part of why I do it is my desire to belong and be part of the community I have decided to spend the rest of my life in. I also do it as a parent, whose children take part in the parade as an important component of their school activities and education.
From the first time I watched and participated in the ANZAC Day Parade in Lismore, way back 25th of April 2013, I have done some reading, online mostly, on what the day means for the community. And as most people do, I turned to Wikipedia.
As I learned then, Wikipedia explains that ...
“ Anzac Day /ˈænzæk/ is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".[1][2] Observed on 25 April each year, Anzac Day was originally to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, and Tonga, and previously also as a national holiday in Papua New Guinea and Samoa.[3][4]”
This years parade has become more significant for the Lismore community, as the area has just survived a massive flood that destroyed many homes and businesses.
It was very comforting to see many of the residents of Lismore as well as the surrounding areas in the Northern Rivers, come together on this day to “Remember” those who served and sacrificed their lives for the freedom and prosperity that each member of the community enjoys today.
My son, Luke, marched with his school contingent, Trinity Catholic College – Lismore, and Sylvia, my better half, and I, took pictures of him, his friends, and others who participated in the parade.
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| Sylvia and Luke during the ANZAC Day Parade in 2013 and 2017 |
Enjoy a short video and some photos I took of the Parade, and thank you for dropping by.
- Alan
