Taken from the cenotaph in Parramatta (Western Sydney) this morning. This image hit me the most.
I get lots of great comments and likes from our community around the world when it comes to ANZAC Day.
For those in Australian and New Zealand we know what it’s about from birth; and for those new to the country or internationally they may not know the event itself, however they see the greatness of it.
I thought I would go back to basics and actually look at the official definition of what it means and then consider what many ‘feel’ from the word on the streets.
To get my facts straight I went to none other than the Australian War Memorial Website and included some quotes which seems to cover it:
- “Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.”
- “Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy. What became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future.”
- “…Anzac Day is a time at which Australians reflect on the many different meanings of war.”
I remember actually an experience I had when I was at university as a very young man (which was a very long time ago). Being a young ex-military veteran I have always been quite proud of ANZAC day thinking how wonderful it was. I remember actually getting some flak for this from more ‘leftie’ minded others in them thinking it was celebrating war, pro-imperialist and mocking the other side through disrespect.
As the years passed, I have fortunately found many Australian’s (new and old) of any skin colour, faith, background or social class to see it as not any of these points, but as an event of gratitude.
Of course it’s based on remembrance of the original campaign, it’s a nod to the awesome girls & boys in uniform that risk their personal safety for our freedom; however I think it’s something much more than that.
It’s a chance for real ‘gratitude’ and ‘appreciation’ in the respect that we live in the relative freedom we do today in such a wonderful part of the planet. Yes, Australia does have its problems; but I will attest to this being one of the best countries on the planet (with of course the Southern City of Melbourne winning the world’s most liveable cities numerous times).
My advice and thinking? Especially as coming from someone who served, fought and personally almost died in serving his country (a mission went very bad in my undercover days), I think it’s wonderful to remember all the glorious people and the RESULT of what we have today.
The result being one incredible country full of wonderful people.
Love your work, God Bless than ANZAC’s, my hat off to you girls & boys who create the conditions that allow us to sleep and night and stay awesome!
To one awesome ANZAC 2017!
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