Lest We Forget

 

"IN REFLECTION WE FIND 

A SENSE OF HISTORY, 

A SENSE OF PLACE, 

A SENSE OF WHO WE ARE..."

 

25 April is ANZAC Day to commemorate the Australian New Zealand Army Corp's landing on Gallipoli Peninsula in the first World War. 8,500 NZ troops landed, 4,800 were wounded and 2,700 bravely perished. Australian forces did not fare any better.  From that, ANZAC Day was born (so to my American audience, our equivalent is Memorial Day).

Guard them flags Flag Cadets

There are no gaudy New Zealand flags being handed out, or those ridiculous people dressed in flag colours with their faces painted, or groups shouting patriotic slogans. This was a value-oriented ceremony that largely promoted peace. Throughout the speeches, there was never a mention of "protection" or "freedom" or 'it's our God given right to spread our ways to the world' mentality. Instead speakers focused on remembrance, unity and general peace - and the folks only used the phrase "current conflicts" when referring to America's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Attending this ceremony was the first time I kept my head down close to my shoulders and certainly did not tell anyone I'm from the States. I honestly started questioning the media, political and general patriotic American sub-cultures in wondering what the hell is their agenda? Sounds like a bunch of treason?



 Left: Wreaths laid in remembrance

Right: "From The People of the United States of America to the People of New Zealand in Commemoration of ANZAC Day 2012"












Still a moving and eye-opening experience to witness. Other factoids picked up:

• there is a special Maori unit for only Maori folk 
• Sun glasses are also referred to as "sunnies"
• New Zealand has 2 national anthems - the first half of one is sung in Maori (and half the crowd at this particular ceremony were easily able to sing along)
• The red poppy is used as the flower of remembrance 

Now be off and enjoy your 25 April America!

Cheers,
:D

P.S. If anyone is counting, I've been here a solid month and have observed 4 public holiday's thus far. And I know Queen's Birthday is just 'round the corner! :-D