Anzac day

bysbarrow4

657 followers

4 years ago

This story in some ways indentifies with WA. A small young country learning/wanting to show its ability in a bigger world. The mistakes and battles that were in the begginning, but how those mistakes and battles built their character and reputation. How those mistakes and battles have created a culture. How those mistakes and battles have created traditions that identify with the hard work that is required to build a springboard for the future. How leaders provide an wonderful opportunity for those that follow to achieve their own success.

Todays self distancing did not stop individual remembrance as many people stood in their driveways with candles at dawn to remembber those that paved the way for what we have now.

THE STORY

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served". Observed on 25 April each year, Anzac Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in theGallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918).

THE HISTORY

In 1914, when the war broke out, Australia was still a young nation, only federated 13 years prior to this. The leading government was wanting to establish a high reputation across the world, rather than maintaining the then reputation of British convicts. As a result of their colonisation, Australia was automatically deemed part of the Commonwealth when Britain declared war in August 1914.

On the morning of 25 April 1915, eight months into WWI, the ANZACs — who had formed part of an allied expedition to capture Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) from allied navies and knock Turkey out of the war — arrived on the shores of the Dardanelles Peninsula, Gallipoli, and were met by a large, well-armed Turkish force. As a result of poor leadership and direction from London the ANZACs landed in a small cove — that was quickly donned Anzac Cove — which posed an issue as they now faced steep cliffs to climb while being shot at by the Turks. Over the next two days, around 20,000 soldiers landed on this beach. On 20 December 1915 the surviving troops were evacuated, with over 10,000 ANZAC soldiers killed and more than 23,000 further injured.

It was here, at the Gallipoli Campaign that started the beginning of ‘true Australian nationhood’. Prior to this, white Australians had believed they had no history, claiming it was not a true nation yet. As a new nation, this day — the day they were finally a part of something of a greater scale — was a defining moment that showed just how strong this nation would one day become.

Although the ANZACs were not triumphant in victory, the courage and endurance these soldiers displayed was held high — naming these soldiers as ‘ANZAC Legends’ — alongside the death and despair caused by unsuccessful strategic plans from the British.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW.

Dawn Service.

The first commemorative event of Anzac Day is the Dawn Service at 4.30 am. This is about the time men of the ANZAC approached the Gallipoli beach. However, the origin is the traditional ‘stand-to’, in which troops would be woken so that by the first rays of dawn they were in position and alert, in case of an enemy attack in the eerie half-light. It is a ritual and a moment remembered by many veterans.

The first official Dawn Service was held at Sydney’s Cenotaph during 1928. The simple ceremony was for veterans to assemble before dawn for ‘stand-to’ and two minutes of silence.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an emblem of remembrance. It is traditional on Anzac Day to wear a sprig of rosemary pinned to a coat lapel or to the breast (it does not matter which side, but left seems most common), or held in place by medals. Rosemary has particular significance for Australians on Anzac Day as it grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

The Ode

The Ode comes from the fourth stanza of the poem For the Fallen by the English poet and writer, Laurence Binyon. It was published in London in “The Winnowing Fan: Poems of the Great War” in 1914. It was used in association with commemorative services in Australia by 1921.

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.

At the Anzac Day ceremony, an invited speaker often recites The Ode and upon his or her completion of the recitation, those present repeat the last words ‘We will remember them’. After a short pause this is followed by ‘Lest we forget’.

The Last Post

This is one of a number of bugle calls in the military tradition to mark phases of the day. Traditionally, it marked the end of the day. The Last Post was incorporated into funeral and memorial services as a final farewell, and symbolises that the duty of the dead is over and that they can rest in peace. On Anzac Day, it is followed by one or two minutes of silence, then a second bugle call, Reveille (also known as The Rouse).

Anzac Day march

From cities to small towns, the march has long been the centrepiece of Anzac Day. Marches were held during the Great War, and became popular with veterans in the 1920s, to honour lost friends and publicly express comradeship. The RSL organises the marches. While it was traditional for veterans who saw active service, it was later relaxed to include those who served in Australia in the armed services or ‘land armies’ during the Second World War. It has been relaxed further, with some encouragement or acceptance of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren marching, to assist aged veterans or to represent relatives. Former soldiers from allied armies have also been allowed to march.

Follow-on and two-up

The march may be followed by reunions and lunches put on by local establishments. This is also the one day that the traditional Australian gambling game of ‘two-up’, or ‘swy’, may be legally played at venues. Bets are placed on how two pennies thrown into the air will fall. The ‘Ringer’ (in charge) will explain rules and betting procedures. Any persons of legal gambling age are welcome to participate.

The Anzac biscuit

The original Anzac Biscuit, also known as the Anzac wafer or tile, was a hardtack biscuit or long shelf-life biscuit substitute for bread. These were not necessarily popular with soldiers at Gallipoli, but there are now recipies for more edible domestic versions.

LEST WE FORGET.