ANZAC DAY 25th April Lest We Forget
Australian Armed Forces have been involved in helping fight along their fellow allied forces since WW1 and beyond right up to these current times.
It is not joyous occasion to celebrate fighting wars, but to acknowledge and give respect for all who have given their lives from both sides defending what was believed to be right for the sake of the so called reason of peace.
Will have seen there can be no peace around the worlds by fighting and even more so when so many countries are still building arsenals to this day.
However, this post is not a political statement it is about respecting and honouring those who fought for us and as a result gave their lives in the process.
Especially today, the 25th of April where we gather and along with our neighbours and brothers in arm New Zealand that marks an important and historical commemoration.
Today is known as ANZAC Day, which stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, two great nations that fought side-by-side back in 1915 during the Battle of Gallipoli Campaign.
Above are the two flags of both Nations Australia and our brothers New Zealand
The aim at the time was to capture Constantinople the capital of the Ottoman Empire an ally of Germany during WW1, today it’s known as Turkey.
As is any war, no one really wins and just this battle alone took a total toll of 56,000 soldiers on both sides. The battle lasted for 8 months and as the plan failed to take over the area that was to create an opening to the Black Sea for the navies of our fellow allies.
The remaining Soldiers were evacuated and although no one won this battle, it left a remarkable legacy of the determination, strength and mateship across both nations and indeed to the rest of the world.
This day was originally aimed to remember those that were lost not just the Australians and New Zealanders but also a mark of respect to the then opposite solders.
Now we continued to commemorate all the wars to date of the loss and sacrifice Australian and New Zealand and give respect.
Commemorations are now held in many parts of the world including in Turkey who acknowledged the ANZAC’s who died and there is a memorial service where it all happened.
In a mark of great Respect between the nations, the Turkish government recognised ANZAC Cove in 1985 on Anzac Day. Kemal Ataturk who was a field marshal at the time spoke these following words, which is inscribed at the Ari Burnu Cemetery as well as on the Kemal Ataturk Memorial in Canberra the capital of Australia.
Here are his words of respect
“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.”
We normally have a Dawn service that includes a Commemorative Address, the laying of the wreaths, Hymns and the sounding of the Last Post long with a one minutes silence followed by the National anthems of both Australia and our Brothers in Arms New Zealand.
The words below are given during the service here in Australia
“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
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Thank you my friend for this emotional aspect. In wars we loose friends, neighbors and family. May fallen soldiers on both sides in any war be forgiven for their sins and be with God. Amen.
Thanks Williams the emphasis is both sides for they all were doing their duty May they rest in peace
Wow that was truly beautiful and an honorable background, thank you for sharing this! It is a blessing to learn how different countries around the world celebrate their freedom and honor those who lost their lives fighting for it.
Thank you Rob
Much appreciated
We cannot forget those who gave and are still giving for us
Andre
Thank you Andre for this patriotic post. Let us never forget the ones who lost their life's, impacted their families through their sacrifices so we may live the life's we are living today. Let us not forget the brave that protect our countries and our lives, today and everyday let us offer them a prayer. Be safe, be vigilant but not crazy, and come back home. To the veterans I shake your hand and salute you. Thank you for helping me live the life I am living today. To the first responders, the firefighters, the paramedics.
“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".
I know that last was a copy and paste, I just could not find any words better than that,
Thank you Andre,
Michael
Thank you Michael and yes there are no better words than the ones you stated
Enjoy the rest of your week
Andre
A sad commemoration but good to have...it is like our Memorial Day here. Sometimes we come to tears when we recall those lost ones, but still, we need to remember...for their sake, as well as our own.
Yes Fran we need to remember not as in hate of the war or who caused this or that but to honor and remember those who gave for us relatives or not that all gave.
For that, I honor all including those we may have at the time deemed to be our enemies as they gave and sacrificed their lives in the same way as those on our side.
All gave and lost but all will be remember nevertheless.
Andre
Thank you for sharing ANZAC day 25th April.
I live in Bangkok Thailand & via Aus Network today watched the marches in different states of Australia.
Three years ago I visited Kanchanaburi & the death railway of Hellfire Pass for the dawn service. It was an emotional & moving ceremony.
I have always attended when possible ANZAC services in Sydney or elsewhere, however the service at Hell Fire Pass will always remain an emotional remembrance.
Denis
Thank you, Denis, I remember as a kid always going to Pitt st for the processions and going a few times when I got older as a young adult to Martin Place for the Dawn service.
Once I went to the dawn service in Canberra which for some reason was very emotional even though I have no family members who served in the wars yet I felt the emotions.
The war memorial at Canberra even just to visit is a moment to be experienced.
I take as much time as I can when there to read all that I can about those who gave and their sacrifices made for us.
The feeling of being there cannot truly be explained in words but only within the heart.
Andre
Yes for sure Andre.
I shed a few tears when looking at the plaque of Sir Weary Dunlop in the cutting of the Hell Fire Pass.
The words really affected me.
Just a few words here:
"These doctors provided leadership, helped alleviate pain and suffering and above all gave reason to live when all real hope seemed lost"
" To them we give thanks"
These word in particular moved me.
" When you go home, tell them of us and say
We gave our tomorrow for your today"
My father served in New Guinea - ground reconstruction.
As a carpenter he was with a team constructing buildings at bombed airports after gaining them back from the enemy.
Denis
Thank you that Denis very special and powerful words indeed.
We also need to remember those others who were there like the medics etc who also gave in order to help
Andre
History is very important, and its part of our life, that is the reason why we exist, and we are very proud of.
Congratz.
Keep up.
Thanks there are many parts that may be history but not all parts that we can be proud of and the only way we can continue to exist is to learn from the past, correct the errors in the present for the future to be clear and at peace for all concerned in many ways.
Andre
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As a Canadian Army Officer and son of a veteran of Vietnam, Remembrance run strongly in my family.
2 days in particular start with a moment of silence and a prayer: 25th April, Anzac day and 11th November, Remembrance day.
Remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedom we enjoy is the least that we can do for our fallen brothers.
Lest We Forget,
Capt MLJ Bedard CD
Thank you for that yes both are very special day and important to remember and gives thanks for all that served and sacrificed their lives and many still do the hard way
Thank you for your service as well and much appreciated.
Lest We Forget.
Andre