ANZAC Day

[bruno]

In case there are any Kiwi's or Aussies on Board- Happy ANZAC day as you commemorate the anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli invasion.
http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_tradition.asp

Why is this day special to Australians?
When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey 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. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “ANZAC legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.

From my dealings with them- of all of our allies- the Aussies (along with the Brits) are far and away the most professional army. They don't have the flash equipment but they have the fundamentals down and they have the heart to go with it.

 

[AF6872]

Good on Ya. From my dealings with both they are very professional and don't ever mistake a New Zealander for an Aussie. Sound the same but they know the difference. Happy Anzac Day. Galliopoli was one of Churchills greatest bad decisions.

 

[hornetguy]

My mother was out in Perth for the honors/celebration. Still awaiting her update on how it was!