ANZAC Day - Lest We Forget

Tomorrow, Thursday 25 April 2013 is ANZAC Day and I thought I would share a bit about what ANZAC Day means to me as an Australian.

 

 

ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corps. So while there is always friendly rivalry against our fellow Kiwis, it’s all just a bit of heckling because deep down we see them as our mates in times of need.

 

The date 25 April commemorates a World War 1 battle in Turkey, Gallipoli where thousands of Australian and New Zealand troops died. This spot in Gallipoli is now known as ANZAC cove. It was the first time that us Aussies really fought as our own Country, rather than as part of our allies Countries.

 

ANZAC Day does not celebrate victory, it’s more about us Australians remembering the sacrifice of those who have served for our country in the War so that we can be free and live the life we do today. We also remember those currently serving members of the Australian forces.

 

There are many Anzac Day events, ceremonies and services on - You will find families, young and old getting up early for dawn services across the country. Old timers, veterans and friends having a reunion and a beer at a local club. Anzac Day parades for ex-service men and woman through the city streets. People at home in the kitchen baking Anzac biscuits. Across the seas in Gallipoli there are people that take the trek to stand in the very place that disaster struck all those years ago to remember those that have fallen.

 

There is a song which will play on the radio on ANZAC Day ‘And The band Played Waltzing Matilda’ which tells the story of the War and that fateful day at Gallipoli. Most Australians know the lyrics by heart, I remember it being taught to me in School and what a sad but beautiful song it is, you can read the full lyrics here.

 

Lest we forget 

 

[Image from here]