What ANZAC day means to me?
(Speech Given at The Papatoetoe Anzac Day Civic Parade)
Shows the significance of ANZAC Day.
Today on the 25th of April 2014, marks the Hundredth anniversary of the World War One. We are gathered here today not to celebrate or glorify war, but to rather remember those who fought for our country during conflict and crisis.
The 20th century was a turning point for the men, women and children of New Zealand. As men went off to Egypt to be further trained before entering the Great War, women took their place and came forward to fill the void that the war had created. Children went by their days waiting for their fathers and brothers to return victorious. But sadly as the battle of Gallipoli started the reality of what war truly was, had struck New Zealand soldiers and the people back home. Two thousand and eight hundred New Zealand soldiers lost their lives just on the first day. This number of deaths began to grow more and more through the battles of Gallipoli, Somme, Passchendaele, Messines and then world war 2. At the end of these two horrendous wars the NZ casualties were at a record high for such a small country. This day marks the loss of these soldiers who in hardship displayed courage, discipline, self sacrifice, self-reliance, resourcefulness and most of all friendship.
Every nation remembers a historic past event, today we not only commemorate our brave soldiers but celebrate the birth of the New Zealand identity. 25th of April is just a mere date for everyone around the world except for each one of us in NZ and Australia. As this date holds key significance to who we are recognised as, Kiwis. Though the Gallipoli campaign was a failure and all the battles fought by New Zealand soldier had costed us lives, Gallipoli was the disastrous of all that has come to symbolise the New Zealand soldiers. They possessed courage, determination and fighting prowess which reflected New Zealanders all around the world. But the adversity at Gallipoli had awakened the New Zealand triumphant spirit of nationalism.
The 20th century was a turning point for the men, women and children of New Zealand. As men went off to Egypt to be further trained before entering the Great War, women took their place and came forward to fill the void that the war had created. Children went by their days waiting for their fathers and brothers to return victorious. But sadly as the battle of Gallipoli started the reality of what war truly was, had struck New Zealand soldiers and the people back home. Two thousand and eight hundred New Zealand soldiers lost their lives just on the first day. This number of deaths began to grow more and more through the battles of Gallipoli, Somme, Passchendaele, Messines and then world war 2. At the end of these two horrendous wars the NZ casualties were at a record high for such a small country. This day marks the loss of these soldiers who in hardship displayed courage, discipline, self sacrifice, self-reliance, resourcefulness and most of all friendship.
Every nation remembers a historic past event, today we not only commemorate our brave soldiers but celebrate the birth of the New Zealand identity. 25th of April is just a mere date for everyone around the world except for each one of us in NZ and Australia. As this date holds key significance to who we are recognised as, Kiwis. Though the Gallipoli campaign was a failure and all the battles fought by New Zealand soldier had costed us lives, Gallipoli was the disastrous of all that has come to symbolise the New Zealand soldiers. They possessed courage, determination and fighting prowess which reflected New Zealanders all around the world. But the adversity at Gallipoli had awakened the New Zealand triumphant spirit of nationalism.
ANZAC day reminds us all of what nations and particularly New Zealand was built on, which is sheer courage and determination for the better of the future. These young men fell for the future of our generation and the generations to come. As they represented us with their heads held high with bravery. Its because of these men that we are here, healthy and proud of where we come from. So, we must persevere to keep fighting in life even when times get tough for the better of tomorrow.
Personally I don’t think I myself is as strong as those soldier who fought in the two wars because many these young who went to off to fight at war were on average 19. This is very close to how old I am. So, to be at this age and having to deal with such a big role is not easy to go by. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be able to cope if I was to fight. That’s why the freedom we have today is solely based on the incentive these soldiers had set their minds which was either to fight for their country, or to fight against the oppressive regime. Either way they made us proud and our lives easier to go by. Therefore today is our duty as being part of a nation to remember those that had fallen for the sake of us present today. Today it is also for those brave men and women who serve our country in wars just like those in the two world wars. Anzac day commemoration is a time to reflect on all service men and women of past and present
With great honor and pride we remember the lives lost for us and to give back we are to make sure to fight for our future.
Personally I don’t think I myself is as strong as those soldier who fought in the two wars because many these young who went to off to fight at war were on average 19. This is very close to how old I am. So, to be at this age and having to deal with such a big role is not easy to go by. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be able to cope if I was to fight. That’s why the freedom we have today is solely based on the incentive these soldiers had set their minds which was either to fight for their country, or to fight against the oppressive regime. Either way they made us proud and our lives easier to go by. Therefore today is our duty as being part of a nation to remember those that had fallen for the sake of us present today. Today it is also for those brave men and women who serve our country in wars just like those in the two world wars. Anzac day commemoration is a time to reflect on all service men and women of past and present
With great honor and pride we remember the lives lost for us and to give back we are to make sure to fight for our future.
Written: By Shabrina Edwards