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Commemorating ANZAC Day in our retirement villages
Thursday, 24 April 2025
ANZAC Day is a special day where we pay tribute to the sacrifices made by service men and women during times of conflict.
Holding a special place in Australian and New Zealand culture, ANZAC Day is a day of solemn reflection, where we pay tribute to the sacrifices made by servicemen and women during times of conflict.
At Keyton retirement villages, this day takes on a profound significance, particularly for the many residents who are veterans themselves or have close ties to military service.
Around the villages, committees and like-minded residents will meticulously plan special events to honour the bravery and resilience of those who served. From services and displays of memorabilia to welcoming gatherings to share stories, every element is carefully chosen for reverence and reflection.
A day of reflection and gratitude
Observed every year on April 25th, ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli during World War I. It has since become a day to remember those who have served and died in military operations for their countries.
What we do to commemorate ANZAC Day varies from village to village, however one thing is constant, it is a day of connection, reflection and gratitude for all involved.
Village remembrance services
One common tradition for ANZAC Day in Keyton retirement villages is the hosting of a village remembrance service.
These solemn ceremonies often commence with the playing of the Last Post, followed by a minute of silence to remember the fallen. Residents gather together, adorned with poppies, to reflect on the bravery and resilience of those who served their countries. Laying of wreaths is often part of the ceremony, and for ANZAC Day 2024 some villages hosted local school children who took part in the memorial.
These village services are an opportunity for generations to come together, veterans, friends, neighbours and their families, to reflect upon the legacy of service men and women.
ANZAC Day Service and wreath laying ceremony held at Brentwood Village
A time to share stories
ANZAC Day is a chance for all of us to reflect on the stories of tragedy, camaraderie, bravery and loss experienced as a result of conflicts around the world.
Many Keyton villages host a morning tea or special gathering on ANZAC Day, where residents, family and friends can come together to share stories. Many take the opportunity to recount their personal experiences in the armed forces, or those of their family members passed down through generations.
These stories serve to preserve memories and educate younger generations about the grim realities of war.
One resident helping to keep some of these stories alive is Brian Robertson of The Terraces, who has turned his lifelong passion for storytelling into a powerful tribute to veterans. After retiring in 1997, Brian began writing — first creating school textbooks for South Pacific schools in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. As his focus shifted, he moved into the military memoir genre, starting with Digger’s Story, co-authored with David Barrett, which recounts David’s time as a Japanese Prisoner of War and his fight for compensation on behalf of fellow POWs.
He later wrote A Gordon For Me, a personal account of his two years in the Gordon Highlanders, a historic regiment of the British Army.
Village remembrance services
One common tradition for ANZAC Day in Keyton retirement villages is the hosting of a village remembrance service.
These solemn ceremonies often commence with the playing of the Last Post, followed by a minute of silence to remember the fallen. Residents gather together, adorned with poppies, to reflect on the bravery and resilience of those who served their countries. Laying of wreaths is often part of the ceremony, and for ANZAC Day 2024 some villages hosted local school children who took part in the memorial.
These village services are an opportunity for generations to come together, veterans, friends, neighbours and their families, to reflect upon the legacy of service men and women.
In many villages, the resident craft group will prepare a special display, creating poppies, wreaths and other items by hand. For ANZAC Day 2024, some villages showcased the work of talented resident artists, intricate handiwork by the knitters and crocheters, and even wreaths crafted from upcycled egg cartons! Regardless of the source, each tribute is made with care and love as a way for the community to come together and remember the bravery of those who served.
The displays often become a focal point in the villages. Residents and visitors alike are invited to pause and pay their respects and reflect on the significance of ANZAC Day.
ANZAC Day is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a testament to the enduring values of courage, mateship and sacrifice. By honouring the sacrifices of the past, village communities strive to foster a sense of unity, respect and gratitude among residents and the broader community.
As we gather together in remembrance, the spirit of ANZAC Day remains alive in our hearts and minds, guiding us towards a future of peace and unity.
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