ANZAC Day 2014

[Manxstralian]

I'm wondering when Australia and New Zealand are going to get through their time of mourning and look ahead. It's been 99 years long so far. Even though my grandfather was gassed at Ypres I didn't celebrate by wearing my kilt on ANZAC Day.

"Despite federation being proclaimed in Australia in 1901, it is argued that the "national identity" of Australia was largely forged during the violent conflict of World War I, and the most iconic event in the war for most Australians was the landing at Gallipoli" from Wikipedia.

I don't think it's about mourning, I think it's the birth pains of nationhood, resonating through the generations. You have to remember, the difference between the colony of 1900 and the nation of 1901 was merely paperwork, as the song says "blood is essential for birth".

Lest We Forget.