In Australia Anzac Day is the day of the year we as a country are meant to reflect on and remember all those who have lost their lives at war, but what are we actually remembering? Most media seems to portray ANZAC day as a celebration of some sort of victory, few outlets seem acknowledge the truth of the matter.

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. the celebration itself however, refer’s to the landing of these soldiers in Gallipoli in 1914. This was supposed to be a vicious first strike on Turkey in an attempt to knock them out of the war. However, The Turkish Ottoman defenders refused to go down without a fight. It quickly became a stale mate with many losses on both sides. This carried on for eight months until the allies finally evacuated the peninsula in 1914.

Every year Australians and new Zealanders travel to Gallipoli to honor the dead, amongst the descendants of those they killed… However, I personally think the most interesting thing about this day of remembrance is what it actually represents, not a victory but instead a failure. 7600 Australian lives were lost and yet every year we celebrate this grave defeat. If nothing else it keeps us humble.

 

Reference

https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac-tradition/

http://www.gallipoli.gov.au/

http://www.convictcreations.com/culture/anzacday.html