ANZAC Day was yesterday, April 25. This is a national day to remember the sacrifice of the soldiers fighting at the peninsula of Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Australia and New Zeeland Army Corps is where ANZAC comes from and is observed by Australia, New Zeeland, Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn, and Tonga. Following is an excerpt from Wikipedia about ANZAC Day so you understand what it is about and where it comes from. 1 of every 8 Australians in service died at Gallipoli, so this is still a strong national memory.
In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, according to a plan by Winston Churchill to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, which was an ally of Germany during the war. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Army commanded by Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk). What had been planned as a bold strike to knock the Ottomans out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. The Allied casualties included 21,255 from the United Kingdom, an estimated 10,000 dead soldiers from France, 8,709 from Australia, 2,721 from New Zealand, and 1,358 from British India. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.
In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, according to a plan by Winston Churchill to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, which was an ally of Germany during the war. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Army commanded by Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk). What had been planned as a bold strike to knock the Ottomans out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. The Allied casualties included 21,255 from the United Kingdom, an estimated 10,000 dead soldiers from France, 8,709 from Australia, 2,721 from New Zealand, and 1,358 from British India. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.
Though the Gallipoli campaign failed to achieve its military objectives of capturing Constantinople and knocking the Ottoman Empire out of the war, the actions of the Australian and New Zealander troops during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an "Anzac legend" became an important part of the national identity in both countries. This has shaped the way their citizens have viewed both their past and their understanding of the present.
Following WWII ANZAC Day became a commemoration for all those who served and who died in the wars. It is traditional to have a service at dawn to silently remember those who fell in the cause of freedom. With the continual loss of service members to age the families and schools have begun to take over many of the ceremonies locally. Camp Hill Primary school was approached several years ago by the local chapter of the Returned Service League asking them to become the organizer and host of the local ceremony as so many members were too aged, disabled, or simply gone. Our school, deputy Principal Pam Dunbar, and staff organized a beautiful ceremony honoring the service members. Military speakers, local clergy, and students spoke and sang, prayed, set wreaths at the school war memorial, and held a moment of silence. I must note that the short parade started at the local Hotel (bar in Australia) and that traditionally that is were services end as well. Seeing as our crowd was a bit young the tradition had to be altered a bit!
We spent most of the afternoon at our local park. Alex ran 2.4 miles with her dad, and Lyle ran another 7 after their bit. The kids played quite happily with several dozen other kids. The parks are a popular option on ANZAC day as nearly every store and shop is closed. Those that do open are only in the afternoon from about 1-5 or so. All in all, a very nice day. It is nice to see so many gather to remember.
Winter is coming. Not the quote from Game of Thrones, but for sure Brisbane winter is coming! It got downright chilly last night. I woke up shivering under my flannel sheets and comforter. Of course the windows were wide open and the wind was howling. I had been dreaming of tornadoes at the time. . . Annika was on a frantic search for her long pants and Ian needed a jacket for the walk to school this morning. I do have to laugh-the daily high is still nearly 80, but the mornings are brisk. If you are no longer used to snow!
Love you all!
