by Gabriella Vukman
A sense of community abounds as dark shapes filter through the shadows, all meandering silently towards the cenotaph.
Each poppy graces the stone’s cool surface, a reminder of those who served.
This is the Yarra Junction Dawn service.
“Most units tend to wake up for the dawn service which I got to be a part of today.”
Private Shin stands among the servicemen dressed in short sleeves surrounding the cenotaph in the murky, dewy morning.
“After that we go around, might get a couple of drinks and either play some two up…”
Shin pauses for a lighthearted chuckle.
“Or hit the local RSL and have a good time,” he says.
“A lot of Corporals probably have a different point of view towards ANZAC day but I guess what ANZAC day means to you really depends on the person,” Shin says.
Waltzing Matilda fades as the haunting wheeze of bagpipes belts out their rendition of ‘Amazing Grace.’
Private Shin says “I joined the army last year so I’ve only been a part of two ANZAC days so far.”
“Normally we get picked at random for services. I’ve done remembrance day and Australia day.”
“It’s a pretty nice drive out here. An hour away from base you see something completely different,” Shin says.
Today is Shin’s first time being in a catafalque party and standing completely still.
“We had three days and a couple of hours each day to prepare for it,” Shin says.
“Most of the catafalque stuff is the same as what you learn for a basic drill so a lot of us could pick it back up and learn it in a couple of hours.”
“I was a waiting member today and was standing completely still so I didn’t have to bend my head down but I feel like that head-bending is a bit harder. Our leader couldn’t move at all,” Shin says.
Private Shin is the first in his family to serve for Australia.
Shin says, “I came from south korea which means i got out of the military service there but I joined the army anyway.”
“I’m still in my initial deployment training so I’ve still got a lot to learn but I can’t wait to get to my unit and see what it is like from there,” he says.
Private Shin acknowledges the divergent meanings of ANZAC day for different generations.
Shin says, “The people who have served overseas and I guess older people in general have a more traditional view compared to us newer entrants. We like to follow and uphold their traditions and learn from their experience.”
“They are good role models and we just like to follow in their lead as younger people,” Shin says.
