ANZAC Day 2013 – Two Years to the Centenary …
- May 27th, 2013
- Posted by EU Australia
ANZAC Day crowds this year foreshadowed an outpouring of national feeling on the Gallipoli anniversary in 1915.
They assembled at Anzac Cove, on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where the dawn landings commenced a campaign that made little ground against the Turkish defences, but shocked the consciousness of the new Australian nation.
It was a similar scene at the three sites in Western Europe where official services are held, populated by Australians and New Zealanders and veterans from their host countries: Villers-Bretonneux, the Menin Gate at Ieper (Ypres), and in London.
It reflected a building emotional response at home; 17500 appeared at the national ceremony in Canberra, a record 35000 at the dawn service.
Next year will be the last year of the anniversary “peace” leading to commemoration of the four terrible years that saw the deaths of millions – over 60 000 Australian.
Hostilities began with a declaration of war on 28.7.14 (Austria on Serbia); the Australians took part in the Dardanelles campaign beginning with the landings on 25.4.13; later they were transferred to France and Belgium, thrown into the disastrous battle at Fromelles (19-20.7.16); going on to hard-won victories and great distinction.
With the ever-growing tide of attenders at Anzac Cove, the federal government is organising a ballot of places for 2015; tour organisers who service the event have been talking about setting up a parallel site for commemorations, a little way along the rocky coast.
See video, service at Villers-Bretonneux, 25.4.13…. ABC, Sydney, Anzac Day 2013. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-25/ric-wells-the-australian-ambassador-to-france/4651746, (27.5.13).
Reference
Australian Government, Canberra, Gallipoli 1915 (Gelibolu). http://www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au/Pages/NextSteps.aspx, (27.5.13).
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, “ANZAC Day 2013 National Ceremony”, 26.4.13. https://www.awm.gov.au/media/releases/anzac-day-2013-national-ceremony/, (27.5.13).
Pictures CoA