I am writing this sitting here at ANZAC cove on the Gallipoli peninsula - it’s just after midnight on 25 April. I’m surrounded by about 2,000 Australian and New Zealanders who have also made the journey.

It is really hard to put into words the emotion of this place, and the official services have not even begun.

Having a relatively good understanding of what happened here, I immediately look up at the hills. The stark reality of the Gallipoli campaign, and what the ANZACs were asked to do has set in. 

I can’t help but wonder how these young men held on as long as they did. 8 months they held their ground. They never had the higher ground, never a sufficient supply, and never enough men or enough ammunition.

While it ultimately led to a retreat and significant casualties, holding their ground against such extraordinary numbers was a remarkable effort.

Nearly 9,000 Australians died here. Over 3,000 New Zealanders. It’s hard not to feel the emotions.

In just a few hours the sound of the bugle will pierce the dawn in the place where our ANZAC story began.

After the Dawn Service we will make the trek up to Lone Pine for the official Australian service. 

This is certainly something every Australian should add to their bucket list if they can. We must never forget the sacrifice of these brave young soldiers.

They gave their tomorrows for our todays. Lest we forget.