Anzac Day

Yesterday we had a national public holiday and for the first time I attended the war memorial to commemorate this day.
Anzac (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) Day (April 25th) marks the anniversary of our first major military action fought during WW1. This day holds particular relevance regarding the Gallipoli campaign which was meant to be a quick capture of the Gallipoli peninsular and then capture Turkey for our allies. It turned into a stalemate lasting 8 months and with high causalities on both sides.
At this time, Australia had only been a federal commonwealth for 13 years and wanted to establish a reputation worldwide. At the end of 1915 they were evacuated with over 8000 killed. Although this mission was ultimately a failure it cemented a icon of the Australian 'digger' who cared for his mates, and hung in there.
During WW1, Australia had a population of fewer than 5 million and nearly 500,000 enlisted with over 60,000 killed.

While reflecting during the playing of the Last Post (which always sends a shiver), I tried to think of those I'd known who'd fought in the war. A man who lives around the corner was a POW in Asia, but none of my grandparents or great-grandparents fought in the war (most held jobs that were needed at home and some were stuck in Nazi occupied Netherlands).

I tried to imagine what it was like, going away at 18, never returning or even being one of those left behind to wonder and wait. Truthfully no one can imagine what it is like unless you have experienced it and I hope that is something that doesn't happen in my lifetime. Lest we forget.

Hoping to post a review of Gallipoli which has my old favourite Mel in it, and is just a really good story told beautifully by Peter Weir.

Visit www.awm.gov.au for more info.