Anzac day

[Doc. Zaius 0]

Tomorrow (half an hour away here in New Zealand) is April 25th, the day of the allied landings at Gallipoli in 1915. The observance of ANZAC Day as a national day of remembrance began with the first anniversary of the Landing in 1916. Since that time the form of ANZAC Day commemorations have evolved, with subsequent wars and new understandings of the full impact of armed conflict on those who have served their country.

It is a day where we reflect upon those who sacrificed their tomorrow for our today; and recall the bonds of kinship that Australia and New Zealand share.

Lest we forget.

--

Other links.

[ozanzac 0]

Indeed.

Lest we forget.

[Ex-RoNiN 0]

Quote[/b] ]

The Band played Waltzing Mathilda

I

Now when I was a young man I carried me pack

And I lived the free life of the rover.

From the Murry's green basin to the dusty outback,

Well, I waltzed my Matilda all over.

Then in 1915 my country said, "Son,

It's time you stop rambling, there's work to be done."

So they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun

And they marched me away to the war.

And the band played Waltzing Matilda,

As the ship pulled away from the quay

And midst all the cheers, flag waving and tears,

We sailed off for Gallipoli

II

And how well I remember that terrible day,

How our blood stained the sand and the water

And of how in that hell that they called Suvla Bay

We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter.

Johnny Turk, he was ready, he primed himself well.

He showered us with bullets, and he rained us with shells,

And in five minutes flat, he'd blown us all to hell,

Nearly blew us back home to Australia.

(But) And the band played Waltzing Matilda,

As we stopped to bury our slain,

We buried ours, the Turks buried theirs,

Then we started all over again.

III

And those that were left, well we tried to survive

In that mad world of blood, death and fire.

And for ten weary weeks I kept myself alive

Though around me the corpses piled higher.

Then a big Turkish shell knocked me ass over head

And when I awoke in me hospital bed

And saw what it had done, well I wished I was dead.

Never knew there were worse things than dying.

For I'll go no more Waltzing Matilda,

All around the green bush far and free

To hump tent and pegs, a man needs both legs,

No more waltzing Matilda for me.

IV

So they gathered the crippled, the wounded, and maimed,

And they shipped us back home to Australia.

The legless, the armless, the blind and insane,

Those proud wounded heroes of Suvla.

And when our ship pulled into Circular Quay

I looked at the place where me legs used to be

And I thank Christ there was no body waiting for me

To grieve, to mourn and to pity.

But the Band played Waltzing Matilda

As they carried us down the gangway,

But nobody cheered, they just stood and stared,

Then they turned all their faces away.

V

So now every April I sit on me porch

And I watch the parade pass before me.

And I see my old comrades, how proudly they march

Reviving old dreams and past glory,

And the old men march slowly, all bone stiff and sore

They're tired old heroes from a forgotten war

And the young people ask "What are they marching for?"

And I ask myself the same question.

But the band plays Waltzing Matilda,

And the old men still answer the call,

But as year follows year, more old men disappear

Someday, no one will march there at all.

Last Verse

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda.

Who'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me?

And their ghosts may be heard as they march by the billibong

Who'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me?

(Eric Bogle)

Lest we forget *salutes*

[Major Fubar 0]

Lest we forget - deepest respect to all Aussie and New Zealand servicemen on this day of remembrance.

[killagee 0]

Aye. Lest we Forget.

I will post pics from this mornings Dawn Ceremony at the Cenitaf in Auckland later tonite...

[cozza 24]

Lest we forget

[killagee 0]

Here are some images from the Dawn Ceremony in Auckland this morning... Had to get up at 4am Well worth it however.

And only one stood still...

Lest we forget

[Architekt 0]

An article from the NZ Herald:

Czech snipers make Anzac service safe for NZ troops in Iraq

26.04.2004

New Zealand troops in Iraq held a secret Anzac service yesterday, protected by snipers from attack.

Czech military police secured the site outside Basra early in the morning, before New Zealand troops and others took part in a dawn ceremony.

The commemoration took place hours after suicide bombers launched three co-ordinated boat attacks on the Basra oil export terminal, killing two members of United States-led coalition forces.

Officials said there was no damage to the terminal through which Iraq ships nearly all its oil exports, but the installation - 10km offshore - was shut down for a period.

The US Navy said four other coalition members were wounded in the attacks, which followed suicide car bombings in Basra this week that killed more than 70 people and which Washington blamed on Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda.

A defence force spokeswoman said the 61 New Zealand personnel had not changed their activities as a result of the attacks and had their thoughts elsewhere yesterday, taking part in the Anzac Day service.

Lieutenant Colonel Ants Howie, New Zealand's senior national officer in Iraq, said that during the ceremony the Czechs had a cordon around the area and snipers covered all approaches. "We were very secure."

The ceremony, starting at 5.30am, was held at the Commonwealth Memorial at Shaibah, about 10km from Basra, and commemorated those who had died serving in Iraq with British and Empire forces from 1914 to 1921.

To minimise the risk, there had been no prior indication that the service would be held at the memorial.

"The vehicles just arrived in the dark," he said. "The Czech military police company of about 50 men secured the area at 0400 [4am]. That included doing a search for bombs and improvised explosive devices.

"They put in a cordon, a ring of defenders, around the site. They had snipers on top of what is a very big memorial building."

Had it not been secure there was an alternative plan to hold the service at the New Zealand contingent's base, he said.

It involved about 120 people, 61 of whom were with the New Zealand contingent, along with 10 serving Australians, about 20 former Australian and New Zealand servicemen working in Iraq, and servicemen from Britain and other nationalities.

"It was truly an Anzac service in our view," Colonel Howie said.

"We had the readings, we had prayers, I gave the dawn service address.

" I invited the Anzacs present today to reflect on the legacy the Anzacs of Gallipoli have given us and to use that to inspire us in our work and in our service for our nation," he said.

"It was a very poignant service. None of us before now had expected to be commemorating Anzac Day on operational service in Iraq."

Australian Prime Minister John Howard made a surprise Anzac Day visit to Iraq, attending a dawn service at Baghdad airport. Automatic gunfire could be heard in the background during the outdoor service, while surrounding buildings were manned by armed sharpshooters.

Mr Howard said he was taking only a "small risk" compared with the enormous risks faced by Australian soldiers.

"I think it's very important that they know that people are with them," he said.

Lest we forget

[redliner47 0]

Let this day and all other days in which men die serving their countries remind us that war is hell and brings only sorrow in the end

Lest we forget

[ozanzac 0]

Quote[/b] ]Vandals deface shrine to fallen

MARK ALEXANDER

April 25, 2004

VANDALS have desecrated Queensland's most significant memorial to Australia's war veterans.

The senseless vandalism of Anzac Square and the Shrine of Remembrance in Brisbane, just hours before thousands gathered for a dawn service to pay tribute to those Australians who fought and died in war, incensed and disgusted veterans.

Premier Peter Beattie shared their outrage and called for the vandals to be publicly shamed if caught.

A curator discovered the attack yesterday morning when he arrived to make the final preparations for today's services.

Tags – graffiti signatures – in red and black paint were painted across the sandstone stairs leading to the shrine, on walls and seating, and around the pool of reflection.

The writing included the words "Break #4051", "Fat Nick" and what appears to be Chinese characters.

The RSL will give police pictures of the graffiti to help find the culprits.

Curator Ron Watson said it would take hours to clean the graffiti.

"I always feared this would happen because of the significance of Anzac Day but I never wanted to see it," he said. "The worst thing is we don't know what it means. Is it anti-Australian or anti-Anzac Day?"

RSL state president Bill Mason said the attack appeared planned to coincide with Anzac Day.

"These vandals achieve absolutely nothing but make a lot of people sad and cranky," he said.

"A lot of people died so we can have freedom of expression but this is not an acceptable way to express their thoughts.

"It's disgusting that people feel inclined to desecrate memorials."

Mr Beattie promised swift action if the vandals were caught.

"This is the behaviour of some absolute idiots and I hope police catch them and they will be charged," he said. "And I hope that when they are caught, every media outlet in town puts their faces on their front page and main bulletins."

Mr Beattie said the attack demeaned Anzac Day and the Diggers' contribution and sacrifice.

"Whoever did this needs a stint in the army to clean themselves up," he said. "They're lucky they didn't run into a couple of old Diggers because they might have got a swift kick."

Visitors to the memorial yesterday were shocked by the vandalism.

Jim Boucher, whose wife's grandfather fought at Gallipoli, said he had brought his children Natalie, 9, and Christian, 5, to Anzac Square to explain the history of the Anzacs.

He was saddened by what he saw.

"What sort of person does this?" he said. "This is a pretty sacred place."

The attack is certain to accelerate plans for extra lighting and security cameras in Anzac Square.

Mr Beattie this week announced the State Government would spend $2.4 million restoring the memorial but he said some of that money might be redirected to improve security.

"We'll do whatever it takes to make it difficult for this to happen again," he said.

"I'm happy to talk to the Lord Mayor about getting cameras there."

Police yesterday confirmed photographs of the damage would be sent to a special graffiti squad to assist identification of the vandals.

Police would also be out in force this morning to prevent late-night revellers from disrupting early Anzac Day services.

Traffic police will also on hand to keep motorists away from the thousands of veterans and their families at marches across the state.

Mr Beattie had promised a beefed-up police presence to ensure war veterans had adequate protection and to prevent any unsavoury incidents.

OUTRAGE: Curator Ron Watson inspects the graffiti; and a close-up of the damage

Heartless bastards.

[cozza 24]

Bloody punks. Send them to a battlefield and let them see whats its like.

Still the whole Australia got today off work and schood except for Victoria. Where the only state.

No desrepecte. ANZAC day is day of rembrance but All my school rekons it should be a public holiday.

[Major Fubar 0]

Us (Victoria) and Tasmania...

Legacy of our wonderful ex-permier Jeff Kennett...

[cozza 24]

Quote[/b] ]Us (Victoria) and Tasmania...

Legacy of our wonderful ex-permier Jeff Kennett...

I hate that guy. He came to Tylden Primary school and I got my right arm on TV

Fubie. I thought u where a queenslander

[Col. Kurtz 0]

the Landing in 1916

It was 1915

I attended the dawn service in my town. It's a small rural town so there was nothing to big or flash, but there were quite a few veterans along with other members of the public. A pipe band was present and a naval commander who had served in the Korean War gave a talk. Nice service.

Lest we forget

[Major Fubar 0]

Fubie. I thought u where a queenslander

Nope. Melbourne born & bred...

[ozanzac 0]

Us (Victoria) and Tasmania...

Legacy of our wonderful ex-permier Jeff Kennett...

That's what you get for taking our grand prix.

Seriously though, it's an event that really deserves a public holiday or long weekend.

I remember as a youngen going to the Rememberence Day service in Adelaide on a school excursion. I was one of the kids who placed a wreath and got filmed by the news doing it. I felt proud as punch being chosen to give the schools mark of respect, and no-one, even though we were barely 7, was out of line. We all knew the significance of the event.

I went to the local march last week. Even though the crowd numbers looked up, the numbers of veterans is slowly going down. It breaks my heart. If you saw the McDonalds advert acknowledging the importance of the diggers that was run over the weekend, you'll know what I mean.

[cozza 24]

yeah. One day there will be no more anzacs. about 100 years old now. I rember a talk at my Primary school about how people might forget the anzacs in the furture.

[ozanzac 0]

Quote[/b] ]PM in Baghdad for Anzac Day

25apr04

PRIME Minister John Howard today made a surprise visit to Baghdad for Anzac Day services as around Australia tens of thousands of people honoured the Anzac spirit.

Under extraordinary security arrangements, Mr Howard flew to Iraq for his first visit since Australia sent troops as part of the US-led invasion force in March last year.

He was to attend a dawn service and spend some time talking to troops and other Australian representatives on the ground in the capital.

"The trip to Iraq is in recognition of the great sacrifice and contribution Australian personnel are making there in challenging conditions," Mr Howard said.

"They are following in the footsteps of countless other Australians who have served the nation in many other parts of the globe.

"I am certain that all Australians will join me in expressing heartfelt thanks for their efforts.

"In remembering those who in the past have given their lives defending our freedoms and way of life, we should also honour those who today put their lives at risk in the service of Australia."

Mr Howard was joined by Mal Brough, minister assisting the defence minister, and Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove.

Australia has 90 air traffic controllers in Baghdad, plus a detachment of about 90 Army personnel and 53 soldiers who are in Iraq to assist in the training of the Iraqi armed forces.

Mr Howard's trip echoes one made by US President George W. Bush, who last year went into Iraq on a special American day - Thanksgiving Day.

Mr Howard had been listed to appear at the national Anzac Day ceremony in Canberra until this morning, when deputy Prime Minister John Anderson was listed as a last minute replacement.

He joined Governor-General Michael Jeffery and New Zealand High Commissioner Kate Lackey as guests of honour at the Australian War Memorial.

They were met by a royal guard of honour from the Australian Federation Guard.

In Perth, children in pyjamas were among the 30,000 people massed for a dawn service in Kings Park.

Melbourne's service attracted about 15,000 and there were big crowds for events in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart.

Across the country, officials remembered not only those who had fallen in past conflicts, but also those now serving in troublespots around the world.

In Sydney, Australia's maritime commander Rear Admiral Raydon Gates said: "This year, while thankfully we are not at war, Australia still has sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen deployed overseas in dangerous places."

In Perth, Royal Australian Air Force group captain Peter Capwell told the crowd world events meant the Anzac spirit was now, more than ever before, something Australia should never forget.

"World events in September 11, including Bali and more recently in Spain, clearly demonstrate that terrorism threatens us all," he said.

"We will eventually win the war on terror but it will be a difficult struggle. In dealing with this challenge, we will do well to draw on the Anzac spirit and approach it with the same courage, tenacity and selflessness that was shown in Gallipoli on this morning 89 years ago."

About 6000 people attended the dawn service at Adelaide's War Memorial, more than in previous years, despite chilly morning weather.

They included large numbers of young adults and families with young children, and RSL South Australian President John Bailey said he was surprised, but pleased by the growing interest.

"I've been amazed, as a number of my colleagues have, at the fact that Anzac Day, the number of people who participate, seems to be growing every year," he told ABC radio.

"The number of young people participating is just amazing these days."

At the Hobart Cenotaph, 11-year-old schoolgirl Nellie Flanagan addressed the dawn service.

The grade six student told the crowd her great-grandfather had served in the trenches at Flanders, in Belgium, while her grandfather was among the many Australians who toiled on the Burma Railway.

"Children my age are interested in Anzac Day," she said.

"We want to hear about courage and mateship because it makes us proud."

The services, followed by traditional Anzac Day marches, sparked strong emotions among young and old alike.

At Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, former Templestowe College student Warren Evans, 19, spoke about attending the Anzac Cove and Lone Pine service last year in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Gallipoli soldier Horace Scott Holland.

"It was a defining moment for me, a moment that helped shape my understanding of my family and an understanding of my identity as an Australian," he said.

"It was then I thought of my great-grandfather facing those huge cliffs. He was a survivor but later died when he was gassed on the western front.

"I thought that when he went to war and when my grandfathers went to New Guinea in the Second World War they were much the same age as me.

"In this moment, I came to understand my place as an Australian."

Natalie Thompson, due to give birth to her third child in seven weeks, said the Perth dawn service had now become an annual tradition for her two boys and partner Jeff.

"This is the only second time I have been to a dawn service but anyone will tell you, once you have been to one and felt the emotion, you will be sure never to miss one and to return year after year," Ms Thompson said.

"Next year, we will bring the baby because it is nice for the children to grow up and learn about the spirit of Anzac Day and they really enjoy being part of it."

Prime Minister John Howard used his Anzac Day message to express gratitude to Australians who fought for their country and to honour Australian military personnel serving overseas, especially those in Iraq.

"Our veteran ranks are diminishing with every passing year, but the spirit of Anzac continues to strengthen its hold on the affections of the Australian people," he said.

Mr Howard said the Australian troops who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915, had come to symbolise the struggle of a hopeful nation starting to make its way in the world.

"The honour of their deeds and those who fought in later conflicts helped to shape the destiny of a people who value decency and mateship, who strive for fairness and stand up for what is right, whatever the cost," he said.

Mr Howard paid tribute to Australian Defence Force personnel who are serving overseas in the Solomon Islands, Iraq and East Timor and to those who took part in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan.

"Special honour is reserved for our soldiers, sailors and air force men and women in the Gulf who, in the best traditions of the Australian military, continue to bring credit to our country by helping liberate the oppressed people of Iraq," he said.

Only one of Australia's six surviving World War I diggers was well enough to join today's marches.

Marcel Caux, 105, who was wounded three times on the Western Front, took pride of place at the head of the Sydney march.

"It is a very special day," he said as the parade kicked off.

More than 10,000 people packed the streets of Brisbane to watch one of the biggest Anzac Day marches in years.

It was the first Brisbane march in which no World War I veterans took part because Australia's oldest digger Ted Smout was too ill to attend.

But that didn't stop the crowds cheering and clapping as the parade moved from George Street along Adelaide Street and past the Shrine of Remembrance in the heart of the city.

One of the biggest cheers was reserved for the huge contingent of Vietnam veterans.

The parade took more than two hours to pass King George Square, where Queensland Governor Quentin Bryce joined Premier Peter Beattie in taking the salute.

In Hobart, scores of schoolchildren marched alongside the state's ex-servicemen and women for the first time.

RSL state president Ian Kennett said the children, representing 42 schools across the state, were invited to carry banners commemorating conflicts from the Boer War through to Australia's continuing involvement in Iraq.

By becoming custodians of the RSL banners, the children were not only becoming part of the Anzac tradition but learning important lessons about Australia's military past, he said.

Meanwhile, thousands of Australians defied the government's travel advice to make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate Anzac Day.

Funny that. No-one knew he was gone.

I'll post this in the Iraq thread as well.

[Ex-RoNiN 0]

yeah. One day there will be no more anzacs. about 100 years old now. I rember a talk at my Primary school about how people might forget the anzacs in the furture.

Greece won't forget the contributions and sacrifices by Anzac soldiers in the fight for Crete