My alarm was one of many students' that went off at 4.30am or earlier across Northland yesterday morning.
I stood among hundreds at the Whangarei RSA before the Anzac dawn parade, and I was one of thousands who attended the dawn service.
Students from schools across the Whangarei District and young Scouts and cadets all made the early morning effort and filled Laurie Hall Park to its edges.
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It has been more than a century since Anzac Day was first commemorated and students today still appreciate the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy.
Undoubtedly, youth's perspective of war and those who have served our country has changed.
It is becoming increasingly challenging to remember, when the wars our forefathers fought are chapters in our history books.
I am 17 years old and I never met my great-grandfathers who served in World War II.
Although the connection between younger generations and the soldiers who fought for New Zealand is weakening, the respect for their service isn't.
Since I was 8 I have attended five dawn services in Northland, each a humbling experience reminding me that it was someone else's war efforts that have allowed my freedom.
Anzac Day has become a chance to appreciate the courage of the soldiers based on the lives we have because of their sacrifices.
Whangarei RSA President Chris Harold previously said "it is the young ones who will carry [Anzac Day] on.
"It is the parents who are putting their children on their shoulders at early morning services that are creating this next generation of people who can appreciate the meaning of Anzac Day."
It will be up to us to do this for our children so that the sacrifice are never forgotten.