It’s ANZAC Day today. A day of contemplation to remember the sacrifices of the Australian men and women who have served in all world wars.

The day is one where I have marched – years ago – in the parades in the city or regional towns conducted by the various RSL clubs (Returned Services League).

I don’t march in uniform anymore but instead, I go and watch the marches and the laying of the wreaths. I prefer to be in the crowd. I don’t wear my medals either.

On days like this, I want to remember and commemorate this day in my own introspective way.

Truth be told, I feel like an imposter even though I served in the military for 21 years all up while others made the ultimate sacrifice. It puts a lot of things into perspective. I wouldn’t take back any of the time in the Royal Australian Navy. I loved every minute of it. I felt I have served my country and this day is one which I’d like to quietly and respectfully mourn those who fought for us to know peace.

It was a gloriously beautiful day today. 25 degrees, blue cloudless skies with no wind. I decided to take my mum to the service that was going to be held at a local park behind the RSL Club. There was a great turnout of people, young and old, veterans, emergency services, cadets, scouts and school children. Even our mayor (whom we never see), local members (who we never see) and a federal politician from The Greens who all laid a wreath.

After the speeches, the hymns, the playing of the bugle with the Last Post and singing the Australian and New Zealand anthems, mum and I headed over to the RSL for a grand morning tea. We got our food and sat at tables chatting to other veterans talking about what this day means for them. We also watched the noisy and rowdy crowd play 2-Up, a game where you gamble some money and toss a few coins up in the air yelling, Come In Spinner! It’s the only time this game (which was played by diggers during the war) is allowed to be played in clubs and pubs in Australia.