The initials, ANZAC, stand for 'Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' and ANZAC day is the day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand. The day to remember all those who have served and died in war. Originally it was celebrated on April 25 as a day of remembrance for the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought at Gallipoli during the first world war (1914-1918) but it now commemorates all those from all the wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Why April 25th? That is the day, in 1915, that the ANZAC forces landed at Gallipoli, which was the first campaign that led to major casualties in World War I. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed miserably with extremely high casualties, it led to the creation of the ANZAC legend which became very important in both Australia and New Zealand. The day was officially named ANZAC day on April 25th 1916, just one year after the landing at Gallipoli.
I had the privilege of spending ANZAC day in Ieper, Flanders Fields, Belgium, in 2005. We went with my mum and stepdad. It was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. I didn't expect to feel all those emotions that I did while standing under the Menin Gate during the service. The Menin Gate in Ieper is a war memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers killed (missing) during the first world war. It is a triumphal arch over one of the main roads that the soldiers took from the town to the front lines. It was unveiled on 24 July 1927. As a tribute to those who gave their lives for Belgium's freedom, every evening at 20.00 since 2 July 1928, buglers from the local fire brigade close the road and sound the last post under the gate. This has been done every evening for the last 86 years, interrupted only by the German occupation in the second world war. Ieper and the Menin Gate, along with the daily last post ceremony, will definitely stir your emotions.
During our visit there, we rented a house in the countryside, surrounded by farm land. And I felt so uneasy the whole time. I know it was just in my head, but the thought of all those young men who lost their lives in those fields, and many probably still buried out there, gave me the constant feeling of being watched by their ghosts. It definitely puts life into perspective. And visiting the numerous museums and countless war cemeteries in the area can be quite overwhelming. One of those war cemeteries is Tyne Cot. Tyne Cot is a Commonwealth War Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing of the first world war. Burials for Tyne Cot are as follows:
UK: 8,907
Australia: 1,353
Canada: 966
New Zealand: 519
South Africa: 90
Newfoundland: 14
British West Indies: 2
France: 1
With 4 German burials.
After our stay in Flanders Fields, we traveled down through the Somme in France. Visiting many more memorials in the area of the Western Front. Including the site where the Red Baron was shot down by Australians. And then traveled further down, visiting Normandy and the sites from D-Day in the Second World War. It was a very emotional and enlightening trip. One that I would repeat in a heartbeat. I will leave you with some of my own photos from Flanders Fields and the Somme.
wow - very special moments captured there. It is an emotional time. The last post always brings tears to my eyes - the service I went to this year had a loner bagpipe player - I cried every time he played. They were dedicating a memorial to the 40 dead Aussies from Afganastan and the 40 photos of these lively and young men wrenched at the heart strings. As we have both posted - Lest we Forget! Such an enormous cost paid around the world.
ReplyDeleteSo very true Illana! So many young people cut down in the prime of their lives and for what? It is always so sad!
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