ANZAC Spirit

They will not grow old, as we that are left grow old

Age will not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning

We will remember them

April 25 once again, and another chance to remember all the fallen. It seemed to have added meaning this year with the usual premises still behind cordon bars and forced to move to Hagley Park. So many memorials have been attended in that very spot over the last six months - its added a little something extra to the dawn one this morning.

The Governor-General running late and making the veterans wait in the cold light of a rainy morning didn't really set a good example mind you. But that's the people at the top isn't it?

Besides, if nothing, it took my mind off f everything else for a short while. Thoughts of broken promises and declarations. Of telling people that you love them to have them admit the same of you - and yet nothing changes.

Well maybe not nothing - the knowledge is there and there is a visit planned. But that is hardly the same of being wrapped up in strong protective arms and knowing that you never have to worry and never have to fear ever again, is it?

Maybe I ask for too much. No one has ever looked after me before. I've managed fine for 24 years, why do I need someone now. And I'm sure that the soldiers that died stationed far from home had people that cared for them - it didn't do them any good did it? They still fell victim to battles that never really needed to happen.

But the human race is a brutal breed. War will not disappear anytime soon, so we will continue to gather at dawn once a year to thank those that are forced to fight and die.