ANZAC

At Dawn on April 25th every year, thousands of New Zealanders and Australians gather at various ceremonies around the world to celebrate what for many of us is our most sacred day. ANZAC Day. commemorates the landing by Australian and New Zealand troops (amongst others) on the Galipoli Peninsula in Turkey. This landing was a defeat, thousands of young men were killed before an eventual withdrawal 8 months later, however the efforts of these lads defined what is commonly known down under as ‘The ANZAC Spirit’ and ‘The ANZAC Legend’.

The day is remembered by both ANZACs and Turks. This ANZAC Service in Doha was attended by the Turkish Ambassador, a sign of respect from ANZACs and Turks towards those who were once our enemies.

The father of Modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Attaturk said in 1934:
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 far away countries…
Wipe away your tears.
Your sons are now lying in our bosom
And are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land, they have
Become our sons as well.

Lest we forget.

~ by danavard on April 28, 2008.