The New Zealand Ceremony

The Turkish Ceremony

The Australian Ceremony

Anzac Day

With an early start of 2am, I left my house with my host mother and together we met with the official New Zealand party at the Kolen Hotel. From there we took a boat ride to the Gallipoli Peninsular and then because we were with the Prime Minister's party, we were treated to a bus ride right to the entrance of the ceremony.

I can't start to explain the overwhelming emotions I felt, being at the site where so many of my ancestors fought. I have visited this wonderful place 3 other times since I arrived and each time my feelings have been different. Nothing could have prepared me for the way I felt today, the 25th April. The first service was at ANZAC Cove for the opening ceremony where leaders from the different countries spoke. John Keys message was both emotional and filled me with pride, I cried tears for all the lives lost and the ones who came back home different men.

Next we went to have breakfast in a cafe on the beachfront and then on to the Australian ceremony at Lone Pine. Another wonderful emotional speeches people who are no doubt ancestors of men who fought in battle on this site. The Turkish ceremony was next. Even though it was speeches delivered in Turkish and English, the emotions were the same and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the ones for NZ and Australia. Finally in the afternoon we went to Chunuk Bair for the New Zealand ceremony.

Never have I felt such a strong pride in both my country and family for their sacrifice at what is now a beautiful place but was a site of such death and sorrow. I can't explain in words my feelings, but just to say that I don't think I will ever feel this again and I take home with me a different respect for the men who fought at Gallipoli. Their courage and ability to forsake their families is something that became more real for me. My reason for wanting this award was to pay my respects to my Great Great Grandfather Edmund Bowler who fought there and I now can honestly say I think he would have been proud of me for learning and understanding a bit of what he went through.

A long day but one I will never forget and will always be grateful for.