Thursday, April 25, 2013

ANZAC Day



 Today is ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) Day!

 It is the day to honour and remember all the men and women who have served our country in war--especially the fallen.
 It is a day where we remember the Gallipoli landing and 8-month battle in World War I.Though Gallipoli was a disaster from go to whoa, it is the was the first time Australia and New Zealand fought as their own countries and is viewed  by both as  defining the character of each nation--the ANZAC Spirit.  It is not a time to glorify war--quite the opposite.

Every city, town and village in Australia has a War Memorial and holds Sunrise Services followed by parades, and commerative services.  The parades in the large cities can last up to 3 to 4 hours.

These photos are of our city's parade today.  


Some of the older 'Diggers' arrive in old cars

Schools march--a good turnout as it is school holidays.

Some old diggers have to have help

Bands play

The branches of the military is represented
 

The Returned Service men and women march, sometimes children  march wearing the medals of their ancestors.

Then everyone moves down to the Cenotaph for the official Services.


After the official ceremonies, the diggers move to various venues to spend the day with their colleagues.

There are official services held in Gallipoli, France and wherever service men and women in the world.



The Gallipoli campaign resulted in the deaths of thousands of young men on both sides, today we honour the brave enemy,
 as well.

We leave you with the words of Mustapha Kemal Ataturk--the first President of modern Turkey, who commanded the The Ottoman Turks--the enemy.

"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 faraway countries wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosum and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well."

29 comments:

  1. Happy ANZAC day, girls!

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch and Molly

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  2. Happy ANZAC day, we must never forget these Hero's xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  3. I have never heard of ANZAC Day before. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Happy Anzac day and we say thanks to all those who have given so much. Dougall has nominated your post March 1st for my share it Sunday. You don't have to do anything just pop by and let me know it is OK to host it or send me an email. If you want to add a little bit About me please feel free to email a few lines. My email is mollyDOTthewallyATbtinternetDOTcom.
    Have a terrific Thursday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. What a Fine TRIBUTE to those who have served.
    Happy ANZAC Day to all.

    Lest We Forget !

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  6. What a great way to honor all of those brave souls who served. We really loved seeing the old car.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  7. What a beautiful post. The words of President Ataturk bring tears to my eyes. A salute to all ANZAC vets.

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  8. WOW, how wonderful an honor you pay and the President of Turkey to honor those who fought in their homelands.

    The Mad Scots

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  9. Happy ANZAC day to all those who served. Lest we forget. The veterans in the car look so happy. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. Very nice. It is always impawtant to remember our troops
    Benny & Lily

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  11. A lovely tribute.
    We must never forget.

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  12. What a day full of honor and remembrance. A very nice post!

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  13. Happy Anzac Day - a wonderful way to honor those heroes.

    Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

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  14. Happy ANZAC day. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Cool poST...thanks for teaching me something!

    Nora

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  16. I hadn't ever heard of ANZAC Day either! What a wonderful way to remember!

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  17. just lovely girls! thanks for history lesson.

    edgar & his mum

    p.s. we just love how roxie always seems to be smiling! :)

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  18. Thank you for educating us. It looks like a nice parade. Did you get a chance to go or was it strictly for humans?
    Morgan, Sebastian, the Porties, Syd and Mac

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  19. Happy ANZAC Day gurls! Very cool to hear all abouts the history of ANZAC Day.
    Kisses,
    Ruby

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  20. Your town seems to have had a lovely memorial for ANZAC Day.
    We always wonder why you made Australia your home.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  21. Howdy Girls, a beautiful post. Mustapha Kemal Ataturk's words were so beautiful and made mum's eyes well up when she first heard them. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  22. Happy ANZAC Day! Love your post, Love your pictures!

    Wyatt and Stanzie

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  23. Beautiful, especially the phrase "Lest we forget...".

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  24. That was a beautiful post and thank you for all that great information.

    Loveys Sasha

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  25. That was really touching. So many that have gone before us all so we can have what we enjoy today.
    Alyssa, Mr. Fox & Scruffy

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  26. Looks like a good parade. We should all honor those that serve for us.

    wags
    Jazzi and Addi

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