One of my favourite things about Anzac Day is hearing people tell stories of their fearless loved ones with such pride and exuberance.
April 25 marks the anniversary of the Anzacs landing on Gallipoli, in a tragic campaign in which thousands of Kiwis lost their lives.
Today is that dayand although it is not a happy occasion, nor one that is to be celebrated, it most definitely deserves to be recognised as intended - a day to commemorate all New Zealanders killed in war and also honour all of our returned servicemen and women.
It is such an important date in our history and despite having heard so many stories about Anzac Day over my years as a journalist, I never cease to become invested in each and every link.
From war heroes who break down simply by hearing the words Anzac Day, spiritual encounters between men and people who do not physically exist, the stories of young people who work hard to ensure they and their peers understand the importance of the day to family members of war vets sharing the stories of loved ones who have passed on, I am drawn in each time.
As our heroes pass on and our younger generation grow to lead the way it is important to ensure youth grow up knowing their history and the value of it.
Every year my children and I attend a dawn service no matter where we are and every year they stand in silence recognising the efforts our Anzacs made in order for us to live the way we live today.
Understanding Anzac Day is important to your existence because if you don't understand where you've come from you can't be confident in who you are.
