ANZAC Day

[Erekose]

History

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.[1] The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand.[2] This is a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same national day, but making reference to both countries in its name.

The Gallipoli campaign

When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a Federal Commonwealth for only thirteen years. In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, under a plan by Winston Churchill to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish Army commanded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk . What had been planned as a bold strike to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stale-mate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers died. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.

Though the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives of capturing Istanbul and knocking Turkey out of the war, the Australian and New Zealand troops' actions during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an "Anzac legend" became an important part of the national identity in both countries. This shaped the ways their citizens viewed both their past and their future.

http://www.anzacday.org.au/education/tff/bugle.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANZAC_Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBEJq...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VktJN...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGlpx...eature=related

[Jondallar]

/salute to the vets

[Mazeratti]

Thats awesome Erekose

I have been to my share of Dawn Services and Im not going this year, but I still think it is so important to remember our soldiers, well all soldiers past and present that are prepared to lay down their lives for their countries and to honour the families that also make the sacrifice of having their loved one leave and perhaps never return.

Our family had many that served in the different wars in different capacities, thank fully they all returned. My father was an Officer in the RAAF and never spoke of the war at all, he flew a plane and so was kinda removed a little from things and yet he cared not to remember because it was obviously not something he wanted to think about.

No matter what ppls view on war, its about the people affected, the men, women and families. I hope ppl can remember that if they are tempted to post negative comments in regard to their views about the current war.

I have something prepared that Im going to post later in regard to ANZAC Day. If its ok Id like to post it here rather than start another thread.

[Jesen]

/salute

Another great past time is a game called 2-UP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-up

The game is only legal on ANZAC day and is played at Pub's all over the country. Generally you will be amongst a crowd of people, with a stage of some sort and a 1 person announcing and throwing the coin in plain sight. You hold up your bet in the air(which can be as small or large as you like) and yell out either "Heads" or "Tails" and someone else will match your bet eventually and take the other side of the coin. Winner takes all.

I love being Aussie.

[Mazeratti]

Best tasting biscuits EVvveeerr !!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANZAC_biscuit

http://www.aussie-info.com/identity/food/anzacs.php

[captain1z]

I actually knew about Anzac day, thanks to Arnya, who last year made many of us aware of it.
Was a good read (the links he provided) granted Im not a big history buff but its an event I had no knowledge of before and Ive always had a soft spot for noble self sacrifice. A difficult but honorable deed that most never see the fruits of but hopefully their children do and remember always.

[TechNoFear]

Always amazes me that 40% of the Australian male population between 18 and 40 volunteered to go to Gallipoli, to fight a war that would never reach our shores.
(ANZAC’s being the only 100% volunteer armies in WW1 and WW2.)

It is part of the Aussie sense of humor that we honor a massive military defeat. Yet few know of Isurava, probably our greatest victory in WW2, where 400 part timers held off 2,500 Japanese regulars.

Another great past time is a game called 2-UP.

My favorite game to deal as a croupier at an Aussie casino, as I got to tease the punters.

[Mazeratti]

THis is to honour the men and women who gave their lives for a cause. This is to honour those that are doing so now or a soon too. I want them to know that their actions matter and if they should lose their life in service to their beliefs that someone will remember them and hold them in high esteem and honour.

LEST WE FORGET



For the Fallen
Laurence Binyon's Composed 1914

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables at home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.


This is a wreath in memory of those lost in war for their country - no matter race, colour or creed.

This is a candle representing my eternal prayer of hope and protection for the ones I know that are currently serving their country in a warzone or are soon to leave, that they will return safely to their loved ones.

[issiana]

It is part of the Aussie sense of humor that we honor a massive military defeat. Yet few know of Isurava, probably our greatest victory in WW2, where 400 part timers held off 2,500 Japanese regulars.

That battle is not well remembered over the ditch (NZ) either. few here know of it.


I do dawn parades and last year took my eldest son along. to me as an ex serviceman its important to remember what we all went through all those years ago.

If we fail to remember history we are doomed to repeat its mistakes.

I dont want my kids growing up thinking war is fun like the movies portrayed - by the grace of God i was spared conflicts during my service and for that i'm eternaly thankful.

*salutes the vets*

[Greydeath]

/salute

[Vorn]

Was the guest speaker at an ANZAC Day memorial event at a small town in Queensland in 2000. Was great to see the whole town turned out for an event like that. The civic celebration that followed was grand as well--loved the XXXX.

Speaking as a Yank who wears a uniform, when folks take the time to honor public servants who put their lives on the line, though it might seem a little thing...it means a lot....especially honoring the dead.

Some of my students are international officers from Australia and New Zealand. Thanks for reminiding me of a day that has special meaning to them.

/Salute

[Kreaper]

Well, that's cool.


Salute!



Unfortunately, these forums don't need an Anzak day. They need a Prozac day.

[Nick_RC]

Rawwwr New Zealand!