Australia, New Zealand honor war dead in Anzac Day dawn services

As a 27 year US military vet, who worked closely with our Australia and New Zealand allies, I'd like to congratulate and commemorate our Aussie and Kiwi brothers - who are some of the best soldiers, airman, and sailors out there...

This article at least mentions the NZ part of ANZAC. All too often it's made out to be an entirely Australian memorial. The Australian media outlets never metions how New Zealand also commemorates the day.

A couple of interesting facts.

NZ had the highest ratio of aces to total pilots in WWII.

NZ had the highest number of allied aircrew killed in WWII.

More than 17,000 Australian soldiers were killed in WW2 fighting the Japanese. That's not even mentioned in this article. I wonder why.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_casualties_of_World_War_II

Lest we forget, good people.

ANZAC day was mainly honouring WW1 veterans

an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives

As a line in the song at the link below asks - "What are they marching for?" Is it to commemorate heroism or the stupidity of war?

The armless, the legless, the blind, the insane, Those proud wounded heroes of Suvla

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnFzCmAyOp8

I went to my local dawn service here in Perth, was quite a turnout and a very solemn ceremony, fortunately the rain held off until afterwards.

@elephant, initially it was to commemorate the landings at Gallipoli, then encompassed all who served in WW1, then all who have served since then. Proud to have played a small part in that service.

Lest we forget.

Amazing to see how far Australia has fallen - no young people would bother defending the country these days.

Amazing to see how far Australia has fallen - no young people would bother defending the country these days.

how would you know ?

how would you know ?

Just stating facts.

https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/why-would-i-young-people-locked-out-of-housing-market-wouldnt-fight-for-australia/news-story/da1681ba63bb0219b9354911c397be0f

Perhaps if you led from the front they might follow

Perhaps if you led from the front they might follow

I wouldn't fight for Australia - I already left the country with no intention of returning.

So Australia hasn't fallen then. It's actually marginally improved.

I wouldn't fight for Australia - I already left the country with no intention of returning.

what, no nads?

Life is a precious gift. From womb to tomb life is sacred. Peace is vital for promoting and enhancing the gift of life. "What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?" - Mahatma Gandhi

Lest we forget.

A few years ago I had the great honour of attending the ANZAC Day services at the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Hodogaya. Was a solemn and moving experience and the grounds there are restful and beautiful.

https://japan.embassy.gov.au/tkyo/hodogaya.html

Then afterwards Anzac biscuits, lamingtons, finger sandwiches and even Bundy rum to wash it down. No Two-up though.

Disappointing to see such negative comments on one of our most sacred of dates.

And did I say anything to warrant downvotes?

Let’s never repeat this madness. So many lives lost in the 20th century.

Factchecker @ 1.10pm

That is manifestly incorrect.

deanzaZZRToday  01:40 pm JST

More than 17,000 Australian soldiers were killed in WW2 fighting the Japanese. That's not even mentioned in this article. I wonder why.

For one thing it states: "those who fought and died in conflict and to mark major anniversaries of the end of Australia's involvement in the Korean and Vietnam wars."

Amazing to see how far Australia has fallen - no young people would bother defending the country these days.

Absolutely not true. The Australian defense forces are completely voluntary and those volunteering are young men and women who make a career there. There are no geriatrics volunteering, that is for sure. And if the nation was attacked you can bet there would be many wanting to defend their families and friends and signing up to do so.

Condolences and prayers from a Brit. My grand-uncle, who was in the Nelson Battalion RNVR, was killed at Gallipoli by friendly fire. So many good men lost...

deanzaZZRToday  01:40 pm JST

More than 17,000 Australian soldiers were killed in WW2 fighting the Japanese. That's not even mentioned in this article. I wonder why.

Because then they would have to list numbers for all conflicts and that is not needed for this story. For your info 46,000 Australians died on the western front in WWI fighting German and Austria-Hungary forces. Another 9572 died fighting German forces in Europe and the middle east in WWII. In Korea 339 Died during that conflict and in Vietnam 500 died.

Lest We Forget.

ANZAC Day has become Australia's national day. It has now far surpassed Australia Day. It's the one public holiday of the year that people respect with solemnity and sincerity. Why? Because even though it was decades ago, the current Aussies and Kiwis know instinctively what those ordinary people were fighting for then, and they want to show their true gratitude. Their country, their families and the free and peaceful way of life down under. Those things are precious, easy to lose and are well worth getting up at dawn and fighting for.

Unfortunately young people in Australia do not know much about the history behind this holiday.