What is the significance of ANZAC day?
April 25th 1914, on this day, Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought as dawn broke at Gallipoli in Turkey, many lives were lost. On this day, years on, we mourn in te kotahitanga (togetherness). We commemorate those brave and selfless men, not in body but in name, who fought during the conflict and all peacekeeping operations. The ANZACS sacrificed their lives for the freedom that we have today, but at times take for granted. This is why I believe it is important to understand the significance of ANZAC Day and the price those soldiers paid to uphold liberty, at all costs.
My Great Great Grandfather, who goes by the name of Louis Agassiz, fought in the First World War. He served our country for three years until he was then discharged and awarded a British war medal and a victory medal. My pride and appreciation blossoms on ANZAC day. Not only because these soldiers displayed bravery and selflessness, but because they gave our country the freedom to feel safe. It is hard to express the gratitude I feel for the challenges and hardships they had to face. I couldn’t even imagine what they went through, with pride and appreciation having no limits when it comes to these defining moments in history. Defining moments that we reflect on, and acknowledge their single and selfless acts of bravery.
Despite it all, we should not dwell in sadness, we should stand in unity with the utmost respect and wear our poppies with pride.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, as the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon
Willow Brady is Prefect Tarawera High School