It's nearly that time again, as any Aussies and Kiwis will know.
ANZAC Day, 2017, is just a few hours away now. I'm not going to sleep much tonight.
We've arrived in Brisbane CBD, and the hotel staff have obliged my request at time of booking, for a room looking over ANZAC Square.
If only the large tree wasn't out there, I could see the eternal flame easily. We could literally open our window and listen to the dawn service, but that's not how you do it. The Cenotaph is off to the left of photo.....behind a tree, totally obscured from our room view. Somebody here has an evil sense of humor.
The largest Brisbane dawn service will be held here, and the Eternal Flame and The Cenotaph are arguably the most 'sacred' of memorial sites in Brisbane.
Earlier this afternoon, we watched the Catafalque Party practicing for tomorrow. It's a moving thing to watch, even out of context of ANZAC Day service itself.
Floral tributes and wreaths have already begun to accumulate. I watched a lady carrying a modest wreath as she approached an official guarding the eternal flame, and was granted access to lay her tribute. She approached the flame, presented her tribute, and immediately burst into tears. I can only wonder who the flowers were in remembrance of.
Adding to the experience, there is a permanent display off an underground walkway, paying homage to those who have participated in all conflicts Australia has participated in. The corridor in one room is lined with plaques dedicated to individual units and organisations. Well worth a look.
Please feel free to post any thoughts, anecdotes, experiences of the day, and of course.....plenty of photos.
LEST WE FORGET