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.
10 comments:
You're right; I did find this interesting...and edifying. I like the idea that it is commemorative, not to glorify war. And I LOVE the fact that the younger generation is paying attention.
If you asked a typical (not all!) American teenager to guess the dates of our Civil War and the two World Wars, the answers would frighten you. So sad, to think that my parents' experiences are already distant, irrelevant history while they're still alive.
Of course, I couldn't tell you if Australia or NZ even had civil wars... :) So maybe I'd better get off this high horse before I hurt myself!
No, not a Civil War in that sense. We had Land Wars which were on-going, but not necessarily happening all the time, over a period of about 30 years from the 1840s. This was when settlers began arriving from Europe - mainly the UK - and disputes were mostly over land. The Maori had lived in isolation since about 800AD. Interestingly, the wars always used to be called the Maori Wars, in the way that wars were sometimes names after the so-called enemy, with an implied blame. That was just how it was in those days I guess.
That should read 'named' but I can't seem to edit it.
i do that too sometimes.....write enough in a comment where i read it back and think cripes....that's enough for a whole post !!
but thanks for sharing !
How interesting-- I had no idea. Thanks for sharing.
Happy weekend.
jj
Well, here's wishing you the best ANZACs day ever. I really enjoyed your post on this subject, I just learned a little bit of history. There should be a day set aside to remember those who sacrificed for us.
It sounds like you New Zealanders do it right.
I think that Anzac Day is our version of Veterans' Day. And when we remember the soldiers who fought for our freedom, many of us are aware that we may not have had that freedom had not the Americans joined in WWII. Thanks guys.
Our Vets deserve more than a day of veneration...but I am so filled with pride on that special day. Maybe from feeling everyone's appreciation. Your post is a nice tribute and reminder of hard fought battles around the world.
I didn't ask enough questions either Alison. Funny how we don't realise it until it's too late, isn't it!
Hi Alison, Just stopping by to thank you for your kind comment on my post about MRs. Smith-- my dear friend. It was very sweet of you and I really appreciate it.
We're celebrating Memorial Day in the US this weekend-- honoring those that served out country. I'll say a prayer of thanks for your Dad too.
Have a great weekend,
jj
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