Anzac Day
Anzac Day, April 25 in Australia and New Zealand commemorates the landing in 1915, during World War I, of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Allies attempted to take control of the strategic Dardanelles from Turkey, allied with the Central Powers, in the so-called Dardanelles Campaign, which began in February 1915. ANZAC forces landed on April 25 and secured a beachhead at what came to be called ANZAC Cove, on the Aegean side of the peninsula. Despite additional landings by other troops during the succeeding months, the Allies could not capture the strait, and they suffered enormous losses from battle and disease. By December 1915 the Allied troops, including the ANZAC forces, had been withdrawn. Nonetheless, the ANZAC troops earned a reputation for valiant fighting, and they then served with distinction in France and in the Middle East. Later, in 1917, the Australian and the New Zealand forces were separated, and ANZAC thus ceased to exist.
In 1920 Australia and New Zealand created ANZAC Day as an official holiday to honour those who had fought in the Dardanelles Campaign. Since then it has been broadened to become a memorial day honouring all who served and died in World Wars I and II and in the Korean and Vietnam wars. It is a public holiday marked by religious services and parades and by ceremonies in which veterans participate. The Cook Islands, Tonga, and Samoa also observe the day.
This dove represents peace in the world. The bird, perched high on the roof of a shrine, is looking out over the world wisely, and is at peace. We in Australia are thankful for the peace we do have, and for those who have gone before us defending that right. Not only Australians, but everyone in the world should remember the ANZACs and all like them with gratitude today, and look forward with hope to the peace of the world to come.
Beautifully said. May the dove of peace have her day.
ReplyDeleteLast Friday we marked ANZAC Day with a memorial service in the Commonwealth Cemetery on Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem and tomorrow a new memorial will be dedicated in the war cemetery in Beersheba.
Glad I've just discovered your wonderful blog. I love Australia.
Hi Dina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I never knew that ANZAC Day was actually celebrated publicly in such countries as this. Well, there's always something to learn!
Cheers,
David
Yes, thank God for blogs. Such a good way to share information, feelings, beauty.
ReplyDeleteHi dina,
ReplyDeleteI have been very blessed to be able to participate in "the blogosphere". In this technological age, it is wonderful to see such means of communication and interaction, and to be able to utilize them for the good of others. Thank you for doing this as well, I hope we can both continue to grow and learn through blogs.
Cheers,
David
Your dove and the significance you assign to it are lovely.
ReplyDeleteGod willing, the world may obtain that peace one day. Please keep using your blog to try to bring it about. It's all we an do.
Hi bobbie,
ReplyDeleteI hope with the help of all of us that peace may be achieved some day. Perfect peace will never be possible as long as men have free will, but peace among nations is a good beginning. Thanks greatly for your support.
Cheers,
David
Gallipoli is sometimes called The 'First Stanza of the Anzacs'. Does anyone know if TRIESTE is called The 'Second Stanza of the Anzacs'?
ReplyDeletePlease email Neil: chezneil@hotmail.com