Anzac Day 2014 new community involvement strategy

Apr 24, 2014 | Pondering Life

‘Let silent contemplation be your offering’. These are the words around the external flame in Kings Park, the site of the first dawn service ever held in Australia. Kings Park continues to boast the largest service across the country. A few years ago I was lucky enough to play a very small part in a national study, about how to commemorate the upcoming centenary given the burgeoning community interest. This year additional services were held in Kings Park at 5pm on the three nights leading up to Anzac Day. Following is a sample of images taken from the first event for you to ponder in silence, plus some feedback on the impact of this marketing initiative.

Anzac Day 2014 © The Ponder Room

First some images …

Timor delegation wreath Anzac Day 2014 © The Ponder Room

Anzac Day 2014 © The Ponder Room

Timor delegation Anzac Day 2014 © The Ponder Room

Anzac Day 2014 © The Ponder Room

The turnout on Tuesday night suggests the strategy was an appropriate solution. Aside from the numbers, the spirit amongst those present was heart-warming. Strangers struck up conversations …

Anzac Day 2014
© The Ponder Room

Some were in awe of the medals on display;

Others worried about the fragility of the men festooned with medals, particularly one frail gentleman who climbed onto a plinth to lower the Australian flag;

Some retold their family stories e.g. relatives being imprisoned;

A few with disabilities were extremely appreciative of finally being able to attend an Anzac Day service at Kings Park;

Others simply praised the organisers for a wonderfully run event.

Anzac Day 2014
© The Ponder Room

Mostly though they hoped that these additional services would continue next year.

It was even more emotional when the sun went down on the eternal flame and the words …‘with the going down of the sun, we will remember them,‘ reverberated through the crowd.

Lest We Forget.

Some more images to ponder …