Quote from:  Ode of RemembranceThey 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.

OK, so if you aren't from Australian or New Zealand you might not know what I'm talking about, but today (April 25) is ANZAC day here.

Today marks the day when, during World War 1, Australian and New Zealand troops first landed on the Beach at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915, with orders from the English to capture Constantinople and take Turkey out of the war. This didn't happen - the troops barely got off the beach and the campaign quickly turned into a stalemate, with over 8000 Australian soldiers killed on the beach or in the trenches during the 8 months before the remaining troops were evacuated.

ANZAC day means a lot of things. A day to pay respect to those who lost their lives in conflict, a day to reflect on our national identity and what it means to be Australian, a day to reflect on the nature of war and what it does to humanity. For me it is a day to remember my grandparents - they both served in the Australian army durig World War 2, my grandfather as an engineer and my grandmother in the Australian Womens Army. They met when they were both posted in Darwin, and they were both there when the city was bombed by Japan. My grandfather passed away when I was very young, and my grandmother passed away last year. I see this day as a day to commemorate them, and their sacrifices; them and all others who made the same sacrifice or a much greater one. A day to remember who they were, and what they meant to me.

Today is one of the few days when I can honestly say that I am proud to be Australian. Today, it feels like all differences are put aside, and people come together to both mourn their losses and celebrate the spirit of our nation. And, inevitably, drink a little too much beer and go to work the next day a little too hung over. This is Australia, after all  .

I know there aren't many Australians or New Zealanders that post here, but I know there are a few and I would be interested to hear what this day means to you. And if you aren't and would like to know more, maybe here would be a place to start.

Megan

Quote from: MeganRose on April 24, 2007, 11:49:50 PM

Today marks the day when, during World War 1, Australian and New Zealand troops first landed on the Beach at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915, with orders from the English to capture Constantinople and take Turkey out of the war. This didn't happen - the troops barely got off the beach and the campaign quickly turned into a stalemate, with over 8000 Australian soldiers killed on the beach or in the trenches during the 8 months before the remaining troops were evacuated.

Sweetie, just because we aren't from Down Under doesn't mean some of us aren't familiar with Gallipoli.

Beverly

Quote from: BeverlyAnn on April 24, 2007, 11:54:53 PM
Sweetie, just because we aren't from Down Under doesn't mean some of us aren't familiar with Gallipoli.

Beverly

Well yes, but then again some might not be. Just covering all the bases, so to speak  .

Megan

It is good that you explained Megan.  There are many younger people here in the states that aren't familiar with WWI.

I'll share a little national pride with you, for your grandparents and fellow countrymen fought in the same war that mine did for all the same reasons. May freedom ring.

Cindi

Aussie and proud. My pop was in WW2 and thankfully he made it out in one piece. I've marched on ANZAC day wearing his medals and damn did I feel proud.

To me ANZAC day symbolised the selflessness of our fellow men/women and their willingness to give their own lives to ensure that we can enjoy the freedoms that exist today. There is no greater sacrifice then to give up yourself for another. That is what the ANZAC's did. They died so that we may live.

Least we forgot.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Quote from: MeganRose on April 25, 2007, 12:06:09 AM

Quote from: BeverlyAnn on April 24, 2007, 11:54:53 PM
Sweetie, just because we aren't from Down Under doesn't mean some of us aren't familiar with Gallipoli.

Beverly

Well yes, but then again some might not be. Just covering all the bases, so to speak  .

Megan

When I read that this morning, it sounded terse and I didn't mean it that way.  My meaning was we understand your pride in the service of those who gave all especially some place like Gallipoli.

I had an uncle who was on Bataan in 1942 who was lucky (unlucky?) enough to survive.  Look that one up for those not familiar with it.

Beverly