25 April 1915…
ANZAC Day…
It is believed that the national identities of Australia and New Zealand awoke, and amidst the bullets, shells, and blood of Anzac Cove, Helles, and Suvla Bay during the Gallipoli Campaign.
Years later, during another world war, Australia and New Zealand would sacrifice a vast majority of their countries’ young men as they brought another evil empire to heel, and at the same time, provided aid and comfort to my own forefathers: The First Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps. The hospitality of Australia was such that the official song of the 1st MarDiv is “Waltzing Matilda”.
As a result of the valor and courage of the Forces of the United Kingdom, which included the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the Turkish Commander, Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk) erected a memorial in 1934 with words that summed up the respect earned during the battle:
Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives… you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets where they lie side by side here in this country of ours… You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.
Australia, especially, is known for the big-hearted ruggedness of her people:
When discussing the merits of our homes one day, a fellow from Texas expounded on the vast nature of his home state, calling to mind the wide ranging wilderness stereotypical of Texas. When he finished speaking, the next man in line, an Australian, was asked about his homeland. The digger tipped his hat back with a smile: “Kinda like Texas,” he said in the easy manner of a native of the Outback, “Only big.”
On this day, remember those who fought at Gallipoli. Remember their valor. Remember their sacrifice. Most of all, just remember, so that the veterans of that battle, and all the others, may know that they have not been forgotten.
Buy a red poppy…
Raise a glass to the ANZACs.
And Remember.
Semper Fi, mate. Too easy.
"And his ghost may be heard when you're passing by the billabong... 'You'll come a'waltzing Matilda with me'..."
