ANZAC DAY 2007

So I wasn't the only one up early this morning. Cars were already on the motorway heading into the city. A couple of boats - off for a spot of fishing.

Cars streaming into the Domain. Lights on, closely following each other around. Nowhere to park - you fools. I'm walking down the road following the foot traffic.

But hullo - you can park on the fields - on top of the cricket pitch - why don't you?

Then it's the diagonal walk up the hill towards the cenotaph. Voices in the dark - " Are you alright Mum?"

Wow - even more people. They must have got there super early. No programmes to be seen. Oh well, I guess I can't sing the hymns then. Poppies for sale - better get one, as they don't sell them outside the CBD.

Young voices - speaking in hushed tones "Why can't we see the show?"

The lights are bright - spot lights for the camera crew. Maori TV is there. Other than that, you can't see a thing - only the backs of the people. You can hear - but you can't see. A soltary drummer in the distance.

A reporter interviews kids from a family. The inevitable question: "Why are you here today?" And the children speak very clearly and precisely. No faltering in their explanation to the tape recorder. They have a box with war medals - they are here for their grandfather.

As the people gather there is an expectance in the air. Friends chattering. There is a turn out from a school - students looking proud in their uniforms.

Then it begins - Chris Mullane, veteran, speaks. Its 92 years since the ANZACs landed in Galippoli - 68th year of Dawn Parades at the Auckland Cenotaph.

The marching feet of the weterans can be heard - their commander calling " Open Company" - giving directions. There is a hush in the air.

"Abide with Me" - There, I knew I had forgotten the words!

The Last Post sounds - the flags are lowered. The lights go out and theres a minutes silence - as we remember them.