ANZAC day 2018

"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"     

 Most of us are ancestors of soldiers; whether they be fallen or survivors of battle. This is why ANZAC day is so important to us.

The history of ANZAC day

ANZAC day was created to commemorate the landing at Gallipoli on April 25th, 1915. This was the start of a deadly and bloody battle that favoured the Turkish army throughout the arduous 8 months.

ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. These two countries were, and still are, brothers in arms when it comes to war.

Of the 416 809 who enlisted for WWI, 60 000 died and 156 000 were wounded.. The death total at the end of the Gallipoli campaign was 8,709 from Australia and 2,721 from New Zealand.  This remains Australia's most deadly and costly battles of all time.

April 25th, 1916 was when the first ANZAC day service was held; precisely one year after the failed landing at Gallipoli. Services were held in Australia, New Zealand and London. A dawn service at Gallipoli has since been added to this.

Nowadays, ANZAC day commemorates veterans from all wars, including the current peace keeping operations overseas.

Why ANZAC day is so significant

There is no doubt that many of us have had relatives fight in various battles; from WWI right up to now. Many of these sadly never returned to Australia, and if they did, few were ever the same. This is why it is so important to commemorate and remember them. We also thank them for their services to our country.

ANZAC day is a time for us to realise that our country is what is today because of our history; because of those who fought to protect it. Thank you to those who died for our beautiful country.

Private Abraham Pearce

This morning I attended my local dawn service, along with many others. I didn't complain about getting out of bed early, because this is what our soldiers did every morning. I didn't complain that it was cold; nor that it was raining because they fought no matter the weather.

I also had a minute's silence to say a prayer of thanks to my Great Great Uncle Abraham Pearce, who died at the deadly Battle of Lone Pine.

Although I never personally met Private Pearce, and though he died over a century ago; I still feel a connection. I think a lot of us feel this connection to those family members whom we remember.

Private Pearce went into battle knowing that death would probably succumb him. I don't know if he was scared of his death; but I know he probably would be happy to hear what his sacrifice has done for Australia.

 



 

What ANZAC day means to me

ANZAC day is a chance for me to learn more about the lives of those who have gone to war. Through different services I've learned about survivors from Gallipoli who wrote in their diaries about the horrific conditions they faced. I've also heard stories about Prisoners of War from WWII. I learn that a vast majority of soldiers fighting in WWI were under the age of 20, some as young as 14.

Most importantly, ANZAC means I can become a part of the other millions of Australians and New Zealanders who join together to remember these events. This makes me proud to be an Australian.

As long as people keep attending dawn services and keeping the spirit of the ANZAC's alive, then ANZAC day will forever be commemorated in Australia. It is the most important day of the year.

 

Creative Collections would love to hear about why ANZAC day is important to you. We'd also love to hear about any relatives you've had fight in battle for our country. Comment via our Facebook page.

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