Most Anzac day services begin with a march of returned service personnel wearing shiny medals, and marching behind banners and standards. The veterans march 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 from various organisations and members of the public. Flowers have traditionally been laid on graves and memorials in memory of the dead. Laurel and rosemary are often Used 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 who have died fighting for New Zealand.
The poppy has become the symbol of Anzac Day. The Flanders poppy as it is sometimes 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 called In Flanders' Fields. Poppies are sold on the days 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 was 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 awaken for another day.
The Reveille is played at the dawn services instead of the Rouse. The Reveille is played only at the first call in the ceremony. It woke the soldiers up at dawn.
Often hymns are sung and speeches made. The important part of the ceremony is to remember those who died.
