Anzac Day - A tribute to the fallen and for those who defend and protect us

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, originally commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp. (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War 1. It now more broadly commemorates all those who served and died in military operations for their countries. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn, and Tonga.

After the First World War, returned soldiers sought the comradeship they felt in those quiet, peaceful moments before dawn. With symbolic links to the dawn landing at Gallipoli, a dawn stand-to or dawn ceremony became a common form of Anzac Day remembrance during the 1920s, and is widely adhered to now. Across many parts of the commemorating countries, and indeed across the world where their nationals might be visiting or residing in, you will find organized events to mark this important ceremony.

 The ceremonies include many parts, including the reading of a speech made by Mustafa Kernal Ataturk in 1934, who is widely known for leading the Turkish war of independence, subsequently leading to the the formation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. 

“Those heroes that shed their blood 

And lost their lives.

You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.

Therefore, rest in peace.

There is no difference between the Johnnies

And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side

Here in this country of ours,

You, the mothers,

Who sent their sons from far away countries

Wipe away your tears,

Your sons are now lying in our bosom

And are in peace

After having lost their lives on this land they have

Become our sons as well”.

Among the more emotive aspects of each ceremony, is the recital of the Ode of Remembrance  

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

Along with the playing of the Last Post by a lone bugler.