- Thousands turn out for dawn ANZAC service in Sydney -
25.04.2003 12:23:25
Reporter: Hamish Fitzsimmons
LINDA MOTTRAM: In every Australian city and town, big and small, there will be similar commemorations today as Australians remember Gallipoli, 88 years ago, and those who sacrificed in all wars before and since, a total of 102, 624 Australian dead, and more than twice that number wounded.
And once again, veterans attending services are touched by the large turnout of young people, who year after year seem to join in a mark of appreciation of what they see as the efforts of previous generations to ensure their future.
In fact, crowd numbers have been growing each year and thousands turned out for another of today`s commemorative services at dawn in Sydney`s Martin Place.
Hamish Fitzsimmons was there for "AM". He compiled this report.
VOX POP 1: It`s the best turnout I`ve seen ever since I`ve been coming to ANZAC Day services.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: Why do you think that is?
VOX POP 1: Well I think it`s because of Australians who want to get together and we want to show the world that we are one nation and that we are one people. And regardless of what is happening overseas, no one likes to go to war, but I think that the nation has to stick together.
COMMENTATOR: On the 25th of April 1915 Australia was at war. And on the 25th of April 2003, Australia once again finds itself at war.
VOX POP 2: My dad and my grandfather were in both wars, so I`m here representing them. And I`m very surprised to see so many young people this year.
VOX POP 3: I think that for some people it`s starting to die, but I think we`re trying to rekindle the spirit.
VOX POP 4: Yeah, yeah, especially with all the soldiers in Iraq and stuff at the moment.
RETURNED SOLDIER: I`m glad to see so many people here. It`s wonderful.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: What war did you serve in?
RETURNED SOLDIER: The Vietnam War. Yeah.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: And what did you think of all the younger people coming along?
RETURNED SOLDIER: Their fantastic I think.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: Why?
RETURNED SOLDIER: The young kids. They`re always turning up, every morning. Especially at the Dawn Service early like this. I think they`re fantastic.
VOX POP 5: It is absolutely wonderful, and it`s a credit to the Australians to turn out to recognise something that is a tradition. Well it is very important to let the troops of today know that they are being supported like the Diggers of the past.
VOX POP 6: I thought it was a beautiful service, and I thought the bugler was absolutely perfect.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: What war did you serve in?
RETURNED SOLDIER: I was in the second war. World War II.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: As you see sort of numbers dwindling I guess of people of your generation, what do you think of the sort of turnout of younger people?
RETURNED SOLDIER: I think it`s marvellous. I live in Coffs Harbour and I came down the year before last, then again this year and the number of people turning up, the younger, I was surprised at the number of younger people that turn up there now.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: As older faces in the crowd become fewer, new generations have taken it upon themselves to uphold 88 years of tradition.
VOX POP 7: Look I came along just to pay my respects to people who essentially died so I could live in the freedom that I enjoy.
VOX POP 8: Probably a bit of a tradition in my family. Dad served in the Navy, so, just a tradition really. Part of our history.
HAMISH FITZSIMMONS: Why do you think it`s important to maintain that tradition?
VOX POP 8: Um, I suppose to show respect for the people that have served in the armed forces, whether it be in the Army, Navy or otherwise. And it`s good to keep it alive `cause it`s our history as I said.
[hymn "Lest We Forget"]
LINDA MOTTRAM: Sounds from the Dawn Service in central Sydney this morning. That report from Hamish Fitzsimmons.
acknowledge:
by ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au
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