Playing music for the ANZAC memorial on King Island! (pictures)

As I said in the “back to the island” post, I’m back on my favourite island in the Bass Strait; King Island. This time I am not staying months in a row. I came here to work for about two weeks, to play music with my band Yentl As Anything and because they invited me to play at King Island’s ANZAC Memorial. Daniel and I, on percussion, accompanied by Stuart on the bagpipes, ensured the ANZAC memorial service had applicable music. We played on Sunday the 25th of April in Currie centre at about 10 am.

Rehearsal with the ensemble for the King Island ANZAC parade — The ensemble is rehearsing for the ANZAC Memorial day performance!

The Anzac Memorial on King Island

ANZAC Memorial day is celebrated in New Zealand and Australia on the 25th of April. The word ANZAC stands for; Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and it doesn’t remember one thing in particular. It is their national day of remembrance. ANZAC day usually comes together with big celebrations and parades in both countries. It’s to honour everybody who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Besides, it also recognises the contribution and suffering of all those who have served. Check out Michael Laskey‘s pictures below to taste what these celebrations looked like on King Island.

The ANZAC memorial service — The ANZAC service is held at the Currie town hall.

Yentl Doggen marching on the ANZAC parade for King Island — It was early in the morning, haha

Daniel Bear and Yentl Doggen playing percussion in the ANZAC parade — Daniel and I played the percussion

Marching in the ANZAC parade on King Island — Stuart is in front with the bagpipes

Picture of the ANZAC memorial service on King Island — The memorial service

Picture of the ANZAC parade on King Island — Lest We Forget, this is all that ANZAC day is here for.

Group picture of the ANZAC parade ensemble — The parade In Currie

A minor update on the ANZAC day!

Playing at the ANZAC memorial on King Island was already an honour. Some months after playing for this vital day, I got surprised with a thank you note. I didn’t expect or need one, but it was a great present. Back in Belgium, I had no clue about ANZAC day, and now they made the extra effort to thank me for playing there. It’s such an incredible feeling to make a difference in other people’s life on the other side of the planet. I am so proud and happy, so I wanted to share it in this post. It made my day!

Thank you note for the ANZAC — Thank you note for the Anzac Memorial Day performance.

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