Today was ANZAC day, a public holiday where Australians remember the soldiers who have served in the Australian military.
On April 25, 1915 the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC)soldiers landed at Gallapoli. The battle that ensued lasted for months, resulted in the loss of 8,000 soldier's lives, and ended in a stalemate.
ANZAC day was officially named in 1916, and as more wars occured, the holiday was a time to remember the people who had served Australia in all wars and conflicts.
I got this information from the Australian War Memorial website, which has much more information about the holiday.
I was amazed at how important this day is to Australians. There is a dawn service at the shrine of remembrance, and pretty much all shops are closed. The city is full of people in uniform, and today's footy game was well and truly sold out (I think that the MCG, where the game was, holds over 100,000 people). For a Melburnian's take on ANZAC day see here.
Easter was not as big of a public holiday as ANZAC day. Australia Day was not as important as ANZAC day. Wow.
Now I don't like war, but I do have much respect for the men and women who serve in the military and those who have died serving in the American military forces.
And I can't even tell you when Veteran's day is.
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1 comment:
From my recollection, WWI was especially cruent, since all battles where fought from the trenches and the conditions where horrible. My grandfather had tons of stories about my great grandfather's experiences while serving for the Austrian empire.
Personally, if I was an Australian from the 1910's I would have been outraged at having to go fight some war for England. I am very lucky that my country only goes into battle when alcoholic dictators decide to invade barren islands in the freaking middle of nowhere.
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