Lest We Forget

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." On the morning of 25th April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture Gallipoli, in order to open up the Dardenelles for the allied navies. The objective was to take Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), an ally of Germany. When they landed, they were met with fierce fighting from the Turkish defenders. What was meant to eliminate Turkey from the war, ended up being a campaign that dragged on for eight months. Over 8000 Australians were killed. News of the landing at Gallipoli and the horrific events that followed had a profound effect on Australians at home and the 25th of April became a day of remembrance. This tradition continues today with a dawn service and parades in city centers, as we remember the 103,021 men and woman who have died while serving in the Australian military. For me personally, Anzac Day is a time that makes me stop and think about the freedom that I all too often take for granted. Lest We Forget.