Thousands gathered across the nation on Anzac Day — but some spent the day waiting in line at the pub instead of attending their local dawn service.
Sydney social media account Bondi Lines took to the skies to document the “cooked” lines outside pubs across the city.
The line at The Clovelly Hotel had reached the end of the street in time for doors opening at 9am.
Newsletters: Breaking news as it happens. Subscribe now
“Not an inch” was empty in the pub about midday, Bondi Lines said.
Vic on the Park in Marrickvile was “cooked already” long before midday, with the line winding down the street at 11.20am.
“Will likely hit capacity at 1pm and lines will get over an hour long,” Bondi Lines said.
The line at the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater was wrapping around the building just after midday.
The Royal Hotel Paddington closed its line at 11.30am, with people queuing for an hour and a half to get inside.
Not everyone was happy about the turnout, saying people had lost sight of the meaning of the day.
“What does Anzac Day mean anymore?” one person asked.
“It was meant to be a day of reflection and memorial.
“It’s been turned into another Australian drinking holiday.
“Very sad when the lessons of WWI and WWII have been clearly forgotten.”
Thursday marks the 109th anniversary of the landings on April 25, 1915, at Gallipoli in Turkey.
Defence Minister Richard Marles attended a dawn ceremony there on Thursday.
“When we think about the Gallipoli campaign, we think of mateship and sacrifice, and we admire the extraordinary actions of the Anzac soldiers,” Marles said.
RSL National President Greg Melick said it was a sombre day that also remembered those who have served and died in the line of duty.
The landings marked the first major battle Australian and New Zealand soldiers faced in World War I.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the campaign at Gallipoli had forged a new beginning for Australia.
“Just as the Anzac spirit shaped our national soul, our national soul sustained the Anzac spirit,” he said.
Liberal MP Phil Thompson, a former soldier who was named Anzac of the Year in 2016, said it was a day of reflection amid the current global tensions.
While service personnel and the community got together at pubs and enjoyed the game of two-up each year, it was important to acknowledge those who had died while enjoying the day with mates, Thompson said.
“When I’m at the RSL or pub I buy two beers, one for myself and one for my mates who paid the ultimate sacrifice and that sits on the table and they have a seat,” he said.
“When you’re out and laughing and having fun and you’re with your mates, you’re still remembering and reflecting.
“They would want that.”
Open Arms 1800 011 046
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
-With AAP
