Today we remember and give thanks to those who served for our country and lost their lives doing so during the first World War. We remember the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps members who ultimately sacrificed themselves in the hopes of creating a better future for Australia and the world. Today marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I.
On this fateful day in 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli, prepared to boldly knock Turkey out of the war in one swift campaign. However the attempt quickly became a stalemate, dragging on for eight months. In the end the allied forces evacuated, both sides suffering heavy casualties. Over 8000 Australian soldiers had been killed. Although militarily labelled as a great defeat, the Gallipoli battle and the actions of the ANZAC troops quickly became a legend and an important part of the national identity of both Australia and New Zealand. It became a powerful legacy for the Australian people to be proud of.
ANZAC Day is a time when Australians can reflect on the many different meanings of war, remembering past and present battles that were fought, won and lost.
Living at home I would normally attend the dawn service, then a second morning service and then march in the town parade. I would do this as a part of the Scouting movement that I was lengthily involved in, from when I was roughly 7 years of age until I was 16. I would also march as a member of my school. However this year, because I've moved away, I wasn't really sure what to do for ANZAC Day. I couldn't do the dawn service because neither myself, nor my roommates knew where a dawn service was being held closest to us (we understand that their is a service in ANZAC Square). Also as public transport is different on public holidays we weren't sure what to do. We could drive but parking would be an issue and as it is my friends car we didn't really want to do any damage to it or have to pay extra money to park and we just didn't really know what to do.
Basically, by typing this I'm reassuring myself that I'm justified in missing ANZAC Day ceremonies for the first time in 17 years of life.
So I plan to hold my own ANZAC Day smite silence sometime this evening, just to remember that the men and women did fight for us and lose their lives for us.
I feel I should at least doing something for them for once, no matter how small.
Image available: www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/thousands-pay-tribute-on-anzac-day-around-queensland/story-e6freoof-1226337630230
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