I started writing this as a comment on Beth's blog, (Be yourself.... everyone else is taken) but then I realised I was going on far too long and thought that I should make it an entry on my own blog. New Zealand readers will know all this, but my blogfriends in America might find it interesting. I am quite passionate about Anzac Day.
So... I want to tell you about Anzac Day coming up on April 25th. This is the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) at Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915. Not well-planned by the British commanders, it was an utter disaster, and over 7000 New Zealand soldiers were wounded and 2721 were killed. The Australian army also suffered heavy casualties. It was such a futile campaign, but both countries 'came of age' and it was the start of an emerging New Zealand identity.
Although Anzac Day began after WWI it is now to commemorate the sacrifices of all soldiers in all wars. Anzac Day became a public holiday and became a time to express sorrow and not glorify war. It is quite a sacred day. It is not our official national day, but in a sense it really is.
In the last 15 years or so young people have taken this day to their hearts, and many of them, usually those who are in the UK on a working holiday, make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli for the Dawn Service. My daughter, Sophie, went there in 1997.
My Grandad was at Gallipoli. My Dad, like so many other dads, fought in WWII. I was never very bothered about that when I was growing up but as an adult it haunts me. All those young men from the other side of the world... They never talked about it, and I didn't ask enough questions. Today is Poppy Day. On Sunday there will be services in every city, small town and country district across the country.
