Lest We Forget

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on this day every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallopi in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries.

Almost 80,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers died in the First World War followed by almost 30,000 more in the Second World War. Tens of thousands were taken prisoners of war and suffered great cruelty. Australians have also been involved in conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and more recently elsewhere – including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

Dawn services are held all over the country followed by a march at 11 am. If anyone wishes to read more about the meaning of ANZAC day, here is a good link.

Some day I would dearly love to travel over to visit the Dardanelles where my grandfather fought in the First World War. He was one of the lucky ones to return home.