Anzac Day

I never really gave Anzac Day a lot of thought. Don't get me wrong, I love our country and am proud to be an Aussie. I always listened to the stories and struggled to understand how those young men could head off and fight for their country.
I had never really thought about going to a parade or taking part. My sister Deb had marched with Uncle Bill before , but that was her thing, not mine.
But 2015 was different
Call it a bucket list thing if you want. I just had that feeling that to march with Uncle Bill in the 100 years commemoration was something that I had to do.
Deb was supportive of my idea and our brother also decided to take part.
We did not tell Uncle Bill our plan as he had been so unwell prior to Anzac Day and we did not want him to be disappointed if he could not take part.
To see the tears in his eyes when he arrived and saw us all lined up and waiting for him is something that money cannot buy. We had to struggle to keep him going but he was determined to walk the entire distance, even though cars were available for the frail members.
To sit with him  and listen to the speeches,  then return to the Portarlington RSL for a light lunch is a day that will remain as one of my most memorable.
Sadly he did not survive to walk in the Anzac Day march of 2016. Deb and I walked in his memory and wore the family medals proudly.
It was such an emotional day.
Many tears were shed.