Remembering not just the soldiers, but also their families

Shivering, shuffling, but mostly silent, the crowds walked steadfastly on to become part of an estimated 30,000 people gathered at the Australian War Memorial to remember nearly a century of sacrifice by the nation's defence forces.

Kathryn Chiba travelled with her children from Sydney for the service, the family's first in Canberra.

''We decided to do it because it was the centenary year for Canberra,'' she said.

''It's just so important for the children to know what this is about. It's probably the most poignant place to experience ANZAC Day in Australia.''

By 5am, the seats were largely filled. The crisp air carried the words of Australian soldiers and their families, read by Canberra actor Leith Arundel and Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith.

''My mates were out there, day after day,'' he read. ''You only do it for your mates.''

For straight-backed Corporal Kristopher Milne, this was his third ANZAC Day dawn service in Canberra.

He’s only 26 years old, but has already given 10 years of service, signing up for the infantry as soon as he turned 16 years and 10 months. He’s had mates killed overseas, but said he was proud to serve.

On the left he wore service medals earned over three separate deployments to East Timor, and on the right his great-grandfather’s medals received after service, which included the Second World War.

Corporal Milne said his family’s service was one of the reasons he joined the military, and is one of the things that made ANZAC Day more significant.

“It’s a very special day, it’s great to remember,” he said. “It’s great to serve your country as well, I’m a very proud Australian.”

The service began with a sharp drumroll, momentarily breaking the silence as even the cockatoos seized their screeches.

There were prayers and hymns, punctuated by hushed orders, salutes, and the cry of a lone bugle blanketing the masses with the Last Post, a silence, and then the Reveille.

This year, urged Senior Chaplain Barrie Yesberg in his commemorative address, we should remember not just the soldiers, but also their families, all of whom have made sacrifices in the name of our country.

“Today as we pause to remember the events of nearly 100 years ago, let us remember those of any wars who have died, returned home, or are still on active service somewhere in the world or on our borders,” he said.

“Today we should honour the sacrifice of the families of these veterans and serving personal. They often carry a burden of grief, care, and worry for their loved ones that is not always appreciated.

“Let them be honoured.”