Tossing Pebbles in the Stream

This blog is my place to sit and toss pebbles into the stream. The stream of Life relentlessly passing before us. We can affect it little. For the most part I just watch it passing and follow the flow. Occasionally, I need to comment on its passing, tossing a pebble at it to enjoy the ripple affect upon Life's surface.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

ANZAC Day April 25

For the Aussies and Kiwis today is ANZAC Day. (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp). It is a day of national celebration and rememberance of the 1916 battle at Galipoli in Turkey (Then the Ottoman Empire) As part of the First World War, (Ottoman Turks were allies of Germany).

This battle was a heroic but failed battle for the troops of these countries will large losses. It's significance is that it was a defining event in the creation of their national identities, in much the same way the battle of Vimy Ridge is for Canada. The Anzac Day Tradition [Australian War Memorial] ANZAC Day - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Canadian National Vimy Memorial - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In those days, Australia and New Zealand were empirial sisters with Canada within the British Empire. Like very few countries, our three nationals did not become countries through revolution or insurrection. This , I believe, has been influential in shaping the kind of countries we have become. Nationhood has been a gradual process achieve through a series of steps in the 20th Century.

Ironically, and I think sadly, (being a pacifist ) National consciousness is created around some great military struggle. For our countries these battles were in service to the Empire in a foreign war. Our countries won credibility and respect through our sacrifice, which which forged a national identity which lead to evenual Nationhood.

To all the "mates down under" well done! You have honoured the dead at Galipoli by becoming the wonder countries of law, prosperity and charming national character, which we admire.

Happy ANZAC Day