The Whittles Down Under: Happy ANZAC Day

Happy ANZAC Day Mates! Today is Australia's most important national holiday. It marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the first world war. Tucker and I were up super early (darn those teeth) so we went walking around the area. It was dark and rainy when we started out, but the city was alive preparing for the festivities for the day. We watched the TV cameras being set up, the police redirecting traffic and closing off streets and tents being built to shield onlookers from the rain. We also saw many, many members of the armed forces of Australia dressed in their uniforms heading to the parade. The rain here, by the way, is not like the rain in WA- it comes down in sheets! We sat at Starbucks for a long time and just watched the preparations.

Tucker at Starbucks

The ANZAC War Memorial from our
apartment window

The ANZAC War Memorial from the park

After our walk, we headed back to the apartment, I did a quick workout and then Cooper, Tucker, my mom and myself headed to watch the ANZAC Day parade. The rain actually worked to our benefit because not as many people were out for the parade as might have been in the sunshine. There were bands, bagpipers, horses and military members for miles and miles (or so it seemed). Tucker was mesmerized! Cooper enjoyed it for a bit, but then got antsy and wanted to leave. We watched the parade for about 40 minutes or so and then, at Cooper's request, we headed back to the apartment.

The parade was a great experience in the culture of another country. There is great pride here in the military and what they have accomplished. But the thing that struck me the most was when we saw an American flag being carried next to an AU flag. It made me realize how long it has been since I have seen our country's symbol and made me think of home.

The Boys Waving their AU Flags