ANZAC Day - A Diggers perspective

ANZAC Day for both Australia and New Zealand marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. It marks the day when The Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Gallipoli on the 25th of April. Upon arrival they were confronted by heavy resistance from the Turkish defenders . With the aim to knock Turkey out of the war early, A long bloody stalemate dragged out for months. It was during these long months where the Australian Army gets its three core values, being Courage, Initiative and Teamwork due to the efforts and challenges of the men on the ground during one of the worst battles in Australia's Military history. With both sides sustaining huge casualties, the Allied Forces eventually evacuated. As news came home to Australia of the horrors that were faced by the ANZACS at Gallipoli, the 25th of April soon became a day on which all Australians and New Zealanders remember the sacrifice of those who died in that particular war and the wars that have preceded it. 
 

As an Infantryman and a member of the Australian Defense Force myself, ANZAC day is a day to remember those who have given their lives doing my job, share great war stories of soldiers past, celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of those fighting on the frontline today, Watch or play a bit of sport and of course have a few beers/ANZAC biscuits while playing 'Two Up'. 









I had the honour to march during the 10:30AM ANZAC Day parade through the city and it was certainly a very humbling and eerie experience. In a way I felt I could directly relate to the soldiers who had been sent to Gallipoli (many of whom were my age) all those years ago as they marched through the city to the boats on which many did not return. For my family that has had previous members in the Australian Army, ANZAC Day is not only a very special day for us but also for many other Australians and New Zealanders.


"The shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."