under the sign of the rising sun

[reverancepavane]

Far-called our navies melt away– On dune and headland sinks the fire– Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the Nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget – lest we forget! If I recall correctly, Australia and New Zealand are the only countries in the world that celebrate a military disaster as a great patriotic national holiday. Whilst much can be said about forging a national identity under fire, I think there is something extremely profound about ANZAC day (which marks the beginning of the FUBARed Gallipoli campaign) that often escapes the militaria buffs of my acquaintance that hale from other nations. It has the unique distinction of being the only battle commemorated by both nations that were the primary participants (Australia/New Zealand and Turkey). In that, it becomes much less about the politics and reasons for the battles, and more about the individuals on both sides that were involved in the battles. A sober rememberance of the high cost of war. Lest we forget...

Comments

[idavid.livejournal.com]

I find it interesting, that if it weren't for that campaign, then Turkey probably wouldn't exist, at least it'd probably be called something else.