As an Australian, absent from my homeland for this day, I felt it important to participate in a service somewhere. The Australian High Commission organises and hosts the service at the Nairobi War Cemetery.
Following a few emails, I was off to Nairobi the previous day as the Dawn Service starts at 6am sharp.
Arriving in the dark by taxi, Kijea and I found our way, along with other expats, New Zealanders and Government officials representing other countries.
We were greeted at a table and handed a program, remembrance poppy, candle and rosemary with pin attached.
The walk up to the Cenotaph in the pre-dawn light was eerie, but tea lights in paper bags lined the grassy pathway between ashen headstones of the fallen.
The service was simple, proceeded like clockwork, and lacked none of the solemn and meaningful thoughts for this special day to us all.
At the end of the Service, those gathered were invited to a traditional Australian breakfast, including a 'nip' in the coffee. Lamingtons and ANZAC biscuits were on hand as well.
The early morning start was made up for by sharing this day with those gathered.
Kijea, I am sure has a greater understanding of this Australian and New Zealand tradition.
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