ANZAC Day Memorial

The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. People in many countries wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or who still serve. In many countries, the poppy is worn around Armistice Day (11 November), but in New Zealand it is most commonly seen around Anzac Day, 25 April.

The poppy was chosen as it was the first flower to appear on the fields of Flanders after WWI ended and it’s selection was in large because of the following poem by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. “In Flanders Fields”

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

Today both Australia and New Zealand remember those that have served and fallen in all world wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.  ANZAC which stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corp first came about in WWI when Australian and NZ Troops were required to fight at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire (now known as Turkey) in hopelessly uneven battle which was doomed to failure.

This has forged a tight bond between our two countries which still manifests itself today in all manner of ways but mainly in sport. With both countries located here at the bottom of the globe and a long way from anywhere we have developed a closeness that is unprecedented by any two other Countries.

Long may it continue.

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.

Lest we forget