ANZAC Day, April 25, this year 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the World War 1 landings at Gallipoli…
…and a campaign that ultimately ended in defeat for the Western Allies.
In Australia and New Zealand, this day is perhaps the most sacred day on the calendar. For both countries, the events of the Gallipoli Campaign have a prominent place in the national history and story. Gallipoli is widely regarded as the time and place where both nations “came of age”.
Before I went to Australia in 1985, I confess I didn’t appreciate the full significance of ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, even though I was aware of the historical events. For a while, some people did think its importance in the national consciousness would diminish. In fact, it has probably assumed greater prominence across all generations in recent years.
More at the Australian War Memorial ANZAC Day page.
Back in 2011 I posted a poem written by one of the Digger’s at Gallipoli, that had recently come to light.
The soldier’s name was Martin Toms and he wrote the poem “New Year in the firing line” on December 5, 1915… [Read more…]
