The 25th of April commemorates the significant numbers of Australian and New Zealand fatalities , 2000 men in one fleeting day , in the strategic landing and battle at Gallipoli in Turkey during the Second War . This is a day when all Aussies and Kiwis remember in solemn and quiet gratitude those terrible losses so far from native soil and it is fitting that the nation gives grateful acknowledgement to those who fell and those who survived this terrible time of conflict as memorial services are conducted across Australia and New Zealand .
Within the three cemeteries which adjoin Glasgow Crematorium are a number , 1000 in total , of Commonwealth War Graves . Included in that number in the Western Necropolis are 2 small sections of pristinely maintained war graves in which rest the remains of soldiers who perished during this bloody campaign.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission conducted a very moving Dawn Memorial Service to mark the time of the first landings at Gallipoli . Abide with me was sang , supported by the splendid vocals of the Rev Mark Johnstone, passages were read and the emotive Binyon lines read .The service was conducted by candlelight and accompanied by bird song just as dawn broke , poppy wreaths were laid , small white crosses placed as each man and womans name was read out , the Last Post played by a lone army veteran bugler as regimental colours was lowered . 2 minutes of silence affording a pause for reflection followed and then Reveille played. A hugely emotional and dignified service of which we at Glasgow Crematorium were proud and honoured to help support by providing hospitality and a staffing resource and shall be pleased to do so next year.
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
