ANZAC Day 2014

[English Bloke]

As already mentioned, 364 days to look forward and but one to look back and reflect. It's not a big ask... and for those who find it difficult to muster sufficient respect for those who gave all in conflicts past... please don't feel obliged to participate. Personally speaking, I'd not be offended, Not that my opinion counts for anything at all.

LEST WE FORGET.

My Turkish wife and I have walked the fields of Gallipoli and paid our respects to all the combatants that lie there. From Cape Helles to Suvla Bay, ANZAC, Turkish, British, French, it matters not, they're all dead. Gallipoli wasn't just the making of a true National identity for Australia and New Zealand, it was the spark that generated modern Turkey too so it is still relevant today... on the assumption it matters to mark such things.

Pleased to hear ANZAC day went well for most. Is there room on the footpath for one more?

"Bu Memleketin toprakları üstünde kanlarını döken kahramanlar! Burada dost bir vatanın toprağındasınız. Huzur ve sükun içinde uyuyunuz. Sizler Mehmetçiklerle yanyana koyun koyunasınız. Uzak diyarlardan evlatlarını harbe gönderen analar! Gözyaşlarınızı dindiriniz. Evlatlarınız bizim bağrımızdadır, huzur içindedirler ve huzur içinde rahat rahat uyuyacaklardır. Onlar bu toprakta canlarını verdikten sonra artık bizim evlatlarımız olmuşlardır."

"Heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives! You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."

Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk). 1934