What I See with Peter Fiorenza: What Anzac Day teaches us, in school, at dawn services and at the football

Anzac Day is indeed a special day.

I reckon it means something to all of us, and in many different ways.

Whether or not we have family connections to diggers or veterans, it is a firm reminder of who we are as a nation, and more importantly, why we are the nation we are.

We are all moulded by experience. And mine, like yours, is limited.

Mine is limited to learning about the Anzacs in social studies at school and now, regularly attending dawn services.

I have also been fortunate enough to attend an Anzac Day AFL match in Melbourne, and proud to have taught those who have and are still serving in our armed forces.

One of my most favourite films is Peter Weir’s Gallipoli staring Mark Lee and a very young Mel Gibson.

Although a fictional tale, the movie certainly captures a time and place in history and, apparently, the feelings and emotions around war in 1915 Australia.

From what I understand, it also helps to immortalise a great battle that represents, not just our history, but our attitude and disposition as Australians.

And a firm example of this is mateship — something I believe isn’t reflected in the same way in other parts of the world.

There could be no other way, we as Aussies could better celebrate this endearing trait than through sport.

The Anzac Day clash at the MCG between Essendon and Collingwood is a unique spectacle.

I have never been to an AFL grand final, but if it has even a bit of the feeling and emotion of the Anzac clash, it’s a winner.

The day I was there, the stands held a capacity of 96,000 dyed-in-the-wool supporters, and the minute’s silence was simply one of the most emotionally charged situations I have been a part of.

But let’s fast-forward to celebrations after the match.

You can’t go to a game at the MCG and not have a beer after in the famous pubs of Richmond.

The Cricketers Arms was our choice, like many others. The line outside this modest establishment stretched a fair way.

As we moved forward and closer to the door, I could see that many of those in the line had medals on their chests.

Were they wearing them for a family member who had served in war and died?

Maybe some were, but I soon realised that these men were veterans from more recent conflicts.

I was in the presence of men and women who had served in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

Suddenly, I felt quite humble and in awe.

I remember, one particular chap stood back to let me in.

“No mate, you’re first . . . thank you,” I said.

As I sipped my beer with mates, I looked around the room, I realised some of these vets were quite a bit younger than me.

It reminded me of several boys I had taught that went on to military service.

My Anzac experience had really hit home.

Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am-noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am-noon) on Radio MAMA