'Serving changes everyone': Voices from the Shrine

By JESSICA CARRASCALAO HEARD

Thousands of people flocked to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service this morning. For some, this was a moment to reflect on the centenary of the last months of World War I, and for all, a time to remember and cherish those who served, and those who are in active service.

Nic Griffith, 40veteran

"I think [serving] changes everyone. Some – well most – people in a positive way, obviously some people struggle as well, but for me, I think I came out more confidence, stronger, and more respective of those things we take for granted today."

Dave
still serving 

"Going and doing the work on the humanitarian missions, for me, is amazing because it’s what really matters. You’re there, representing the country and doing good for the populations, the communities, and you go and work in the communities. It’s fantastic. For me, I’ve enjoyed the humanitarian missions that I’ve done for different reasons, but probably more than the combat missions that I’ve done. I think it’s amazing."

Bill Cherry, 85
uncles served

"[ANZAC Day is] the way I remember those who served, especially my two uncles. One who served in the First World War, served at Gallipoli and France. That was dad’s brother. And mum’s brother served in the Second World War. He served at Ambon, where he died in 1942. He was executed by the Japanese. So it’s pretty significant from that point of view."

Paul Delaney, 61
veteran

"Watching the missiles fly during the last strike we were on, we all stripped off stark naked to watch the missiles go. Something had to be done. Something different to mark the occasion."

Chris Mancini, 59
father served

"[ANZAC Day] means a lot, actually. And you can just imagine some of the things that [her father] saw, and what he went through. He didn’t really talk about all of that when we were young, but sometimes he used to say, 'You wouldn’t want to know what we saw'."

Steph McDonald, 47
grandfather served

"Things get more real. It becomes more and more real what these guys did, and at such a young age, and they did it to fight for our freedom. It’s a privilege that we can take a day out, have a day out where we can think about it."

Chris Hoare, 80
Navy veteran 

"We have a routine at various times called 'action stations' when you’re at sea. And it means that if you go into conflict warfare, you have a particular spot on the ship.  And mine was in the gun bay, which fed ammunition to the gun above me. And we were starting to load the 4.5 guns up ahead, and I had the shell in my hands, and I went to put it across on the rack, and I dropped it. And I put my hands over my ears! And I think I never forgot that, because they wouldn’t let me."