Remembering Them

Motel commitments dictate that it's been many years since I've been to an ANZAC Dawn Service, but I've been to a few RSAs over the years...

Every night in RSAs across the country, a moment of silence is generally observed in memory of comrades who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country. 

The lights are dimmed, the music is cut and the laughter and chatter immediately cease. The silence is broken with the clear baritone voice of an RSA official on a mic:

"Ladies and Gentlemen: The Remembrance Ceremony" 

In unison all dutifully stand:

The silence is broken by the RSA official that recites:

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them"

Then all standing respond in unison:  

"We Will Remember Them"

Lighting is restored, everyone resumes their seat, the music and the chatter recommences.

I've witnessed this in several small provincial RSAs across the country and this haunting ceremony has always moved me.

Least we forget.