ANZAC Day for me, and others, always evokes great emotion.
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An event this year triggered my emotions in just a way.
After having taken my grandson to three Anzac services already, we arrived at the "Monuments" at 3.15pm.
A lady and her son unfurled a flag from her father's unit during the service. She and her son lowered the flag to half-mast.
All of her family of different generations were present and keenly aware of what was happening. Her respect and honour throughout this symbol of her father's memory brought tears to my eye.
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The 328 Air Force Cadet Squadron were stellar in their participation throughout the day, from the dawn service to the lowering of the colours. They were well-presented and added decorum, meaningful dignity and respect to the Anzac memory.
It was a long day, but I was so proud of my grandson's involvement.
Present also at the march, the Monuments and lowering of the colours was the Bathurst City and RSL Band.
They were so professional, tuneful and, again, well-presented. They played with feeling and style.
It was lovely to see them turn up at 3.15pm at the Monuments, where they gave a resounding rendition of the national anthem that stirred the heart.
The band also provided a beautiful rendition of the Last Post at 6pm outside the Carillon: a four-part harmony (played by four trumpeters).
The sound pierced the night air with such eloquence.
At Rockley, federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee gave a meaningful, simple and heartfelt message. The quietness and simplicity of the service spoke volumes and added to the significance of the day.
It would have been nice to have mentioned a bit about the one solitary Rockley name on the cenotaph (McIntosh).
All in all, at the end of the day I was drained, emotional but so very pleased I had escorted our grandson to all the places where an Anzac's name was cast in stone.
Well done to all involved. I forgot to mention the staff at the Bathurst RSL, who catered breakfast. Each wore a shirt with "Respect the Day" emblazoned across it. I agree.
As an aside, it was sad to see the lack of maintenance to the flagpoles and surrounds at the Monuments.
This may not be a grave site, but it holds immense importance to people whose fathers marched out to serve their country. Surely we owe it to their memory to maintain the site.
