Today, the 25th of April 2015, is the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, a disastrous campaign in Turkey which saw many Australians and New Zealanders lose their lives. However this marked a seminal moment in the history of these nations and while I cannot speak for New Zealand, I can say that this anniversary has been hugely marked here with events, concerts, talks and commemorations all across Australia. We have attended talks about how ANZAC is perceived. It stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.We have watched interesting documentaries of how ANZAC has developed over the years, with times when it was in decline and other times when it was wholeheartedly embraced. It is effectively regarded as the beginning of nationhood. We have been to concerts - free for all, with wartime favourites and visited the ANZAC memorials in Brisbane and in Sydney.
From the Sydney Memorial -The sculpture is called "Sacrifice" - it is based on the story of the Spartan Greeks. They were warriors of note and were told to return to Sparta with their shields. Th sculptor created an image of the soldier on his shield being carried by his mother, sister, and wife with a child.
From the Brisbane Shrine of Remembrance which was built in 1928 in the Greek Classic revival Style of Helidon stone and Queensland Granite with an Eternal Flame. The 18 columns of the the shrine symbolise the year 1918 when hostilities ended. It is always significant for me to see the Greek influence and connection and one which I am happy to share with you.
Memorials are in every town and city and the men who lost their lives are honoured and commemorated. The phrase " lest we forget" on everyone's lips.
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