Today marks the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC’s time in Gallipoli. Up to 20,000 NZers rose early for the 6am service of remembrance. Regardless of ones thoughts on war, the service reminds us of those who fought for their country and lost their lives, or were injured in doing so. Such remembrance can apply to every country in the world – death does not take sides.

Back when the ANZAC’s landed in Gallipoli, New Zealand was a young country. With a population of about 1 million total, 100,000 set off to aid the war. 10% of the country! (an even greater percentage of the Male share!). Back then, there was an almost guaranteed chance you were related to, or at the least knew someone heading to war.

18,000 New Zealanders died in WW1, 41,000 more were wounded. The Gallipoli battle saw 44,000 allied soldiers fall, 2779 being Kiwis. The Ottoman defenders lost a massive 87,000.

Something nice to come out of the 100 year anniversary was a giant poppy made onto the local sports field. Each round disc represented a fallen soldier and had a customised message on it .

For those into Minecraft, the War Memorial Museum displayed the Minecraft Gallipoli one can visit. Its a different way to raise some awareness!

I attend the dawn service every year. It seems as the years move along, more and more people attend to [usually] show their respects. Likely todays was the peak audience which stretched out of sight (glad I awoke extra early to get there!)

I’ll close with a link to Mark Knopfler’s guitar tribute rendition of ‘The Last Post’. A moving modern electric take on the bugle song or remembrance.

 

Lest We Forget