As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, we not only think about that one day, but what the spirit of that day, the embodiment of the Anzac legend has meant through these 100 years, and still means today.
Allied forces from Australia and New Zealand didn't enter the war on that April morning 100 years ago. Our troops had been engaged earlier, both in training, planning and in other theatres. But it was this April morning that still lives in our memories. Anzac day is not a day to celebrate war. War isn't anything to celebrate. It is the last and least desired outcome. Anzac day celebrates the spirit of coming to the aid of a friend, of mateship, of wanting to do the right thing, even when no rewards will be given, when suffering may result, when loss may occur.
History tells us that April morning had no chance of success. Landing on that beach, with gun fire raining down, and problems with coordination of multiple landings, meant that many didn't survive getting to dry land. Those that did, bunkered down and were then engaged in charges of futility against a native enemy. And against the odds, the beach head was taken and defended and a brutal phase of trench warfare took place.
But yet, 100 years later, the enemy is the friend, the names given to those places by the Allied forces remain, protected by Turkey. Why? The Turkish forces gave credence to a foe that never gave up, that was resilient, that fought hard. The ultimate respect to a foe. And wherever these forces fought across WW1, the same respect was earned and given. Australians and New Zealanders can move around northern Europe thanked for their contributions and joined in mourning for the common losses, and towns are still teaching about the sacrifices made to protect their homes, when the soldiers were so many, many miles from their own.
How does the spirit of that morning pervade though history? It is of the same desire to help out when WW2 came and the world again descended into war. It is of the committment to fight in lands not our own, to protect those who are in need when our own country was under threat. Of fighting and dying to protect Great Britain, to liberate Europe, to draw a line and die fighting to protect our own shores, in Papua New Guinea, and fight to liberate the oppression in the Pacific, in Singapore, Malay, Philippines and many other countries. A legend that was upheld in the Malay conflict, Korea, Vietnam and other times of war.
Throughout history, not just in the Anzac spirit for fighting but I see it in many ways. Thinking of organisations such as the State Emergency Services (SES), the Rural Fire Service (RFS), the Surf Life Saving Association - all volunteer organisations staffed by people who are often out when the worst of nature, or the worst in people, affects so many others. Of all the volunteers who give freely of themselves to ensure others get help. Of people who are out helping you and I save our homes, when their own is under threat, or being lost. Of that desire to help without benefit, and often impact to their own livelihood. Where the thanks may just be a smile, a hug from relieved residents, and a cup of tea. But that thanks is enough. The spirit of wanting to help out a stranger, of giving of oneself to work with others. Of mateship forged in a helping hand. Where status in life, race or religion are ignored and only the chance to help is recognised.
So when I celebrate Anzac Day, I celebrate and am thankful for the embodiment of this spirit not just on that fateful shore, but how it has been the inspiration for the generations that followed. The spirit that unites Australian's and New Zealander's.
So when you bite into an Anzac biscuit, you may just enjoy the great taste of oats, coconut and sweet, golden syrup. But when I make them, I am grateful for the reason they exist.
What does it mean to others? As the world joins in celebrating our day, some of their views articulated are below:
http://www.theguardian.com/news/2015/apr/24/the-many-faces-of-anzac-day-how-grief-became-a-national-rallying-point
The movie scene that captured the fruitlessness and desperation of that campaign, and the birth of the legend - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eeijbtbnjQ
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