Australian History would not be complete without documenting the occasion that is Anzac Day.
Anzac is of course the Australian New Zealand Army Corps and the day is celebrated on April 25 in both sovereign nations.
The day commemorates the first campaign that led to major casualties to both countries in World War I, 25th April, 1915.
The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance. What had been planned as a bold strike to knock the Ottomans out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.
At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. The Allied casualties included 21,255 from the United Kingdom, an estimated 10,000 dead soldiers from France, 8,709 from Australia, 2,721 from New Zealand, and 1,358 from British India.
News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.
The actions of the Australian and New Zealand troops during the campaign bequeathed a powerful legacy.
The creation of what became known as an "Anzac legend" became an important part of the national identity in both countries.
This has shaped the way their citizens have viewed both their past and their understanding of the present
Let's not lose sight of why we will put tools down tomorrow and stop work.
Let's remember how significant we are in the world and what sacrifices we have made to grow as a proud and peaceful nation.
Lest We Forget.
J G S
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