Posts Tagged ‘kokoda dawn service’
ANZAC Day on the Kokoda Trail in 2010
May 13th, 2010 | Author: Jim the Backpacker
On Tuesday 20th April, Team 1 departed Kokoda in the rain with the plan to meet up with Team 2 who trekked from the other end of the Track. Morale in both Teams was high. The plan was to meet at Brigade Hill on Anzac Day eve for a combined Anzac Day Dawn Service. Brigade Hill has always been Back Track’s chosen place to celebrate Anzac day. Brigade Hill is considered to be a sacred site by the Australian Army. On the summit of Brigade Hill where we hold our ceremony, 76 brave young Australian soldiers gave their lives in the defense of their country.
For Teams 1 and 2 the weather this April was not merciful. Both Teams had prolonged rain fall every day and most nights. Team 2 had to ford the swollen Brown river under very adverse conditions while Team 1 crossed many of the creeks on make shift bridges as the rising water lapped over feet. Both Teams had wet slippery trails and extremely hot and humid conditions to contend with. Miraculously, the weather cleared when the 2 teams met and our Anzac Day Dawn Service was held under the most beautiful blue morning sky. With our trek crew singing and the Australian flag flying from its makeshift flagpole, it was a very special moment.
When the two Teams separated after the ceremony, to continue their individual journeys, we were all significantly more aware of the sacrifices our soldiers made. By the time both Teams had finished their journey several days later, we were all humbled and wiser for the experience. They were both great treks.