Most Anzac day services start with a march of returned service personnel
wearing their medals, and marching behind banners and standards. The
veterans are joined by other community groups, including members
of the armed forces, the Red Cross, cadets etc.
The march continues to the local war memorial, where a service takes place.
This includes the laying of wreaths and various organisations and members of
the public. Flowers have traditionally been laid on graves and memorials in
memory of the soldiers. Laurel and rosemary are often put
in wreaths. Laurel was used by the ancient Romans as a symbol of honour
and was woven into a wreath to crown victors or the brave. Rosemary is used
for remembrance. The wreaths are laid to honour the people that have died
fighting for New Zealand.
The poppy has become the symbol for Anzac Day. The Flanders poppy as it is
currently called grew in the trenches and craters of the war zone in Belgium and
at Gallipoli. These poppies grew wild in the spring. The soldiers thought of the
poppies as soldiers who had died. The poppy was made famous by Colonel
J.M. McCrae's poem written in Flanders' Fields. Poppies are sold on the day
before Anzac Day to raise money for the R.S.A. [Returned Services Association]
In most ceremonies of remembrance there is a reading of a poem. This is
often "The Ode to the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon. It was first published in
the Times newspaper in 1914
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them.
The last post is the trumpet call sounded in army barracks at 10pm at
night to mark the end of the days activities. It is also used at military
funerals and commemorative services to show that the soldier's day has
drawn to a final close.
This is usually followed by a period of silence for one or two minutes as a sign
of respect for those who have died. After observing the silence the flags are
raised from half-mast to the masthead. The Rouse is then played. The Rouse
called the soldier's spirits to arise and fight for another day.
The Reveille is played at the dawn services instead of the Rouse. The Reveille is
played only as the first call in the morning. It woke the soldiers up at
dawn.
Often hymns were sung and speeches made. The important part of the ceremony
is to remember those who died.
