ANZAC Day is an event shared across many nations: Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. ANZAC Day reminds us of selfless service by those who went to war to defend Australia and Aotearoa – New Zealand and forged an indelible bond of mateship across time and landscape. In this essay, we recall the sacrifice that rendered menaning and purpose in that day, that age. What does this service, this sacrifice render toward social cohesion, harmony and understanding in Australia and New Zealand, today?
Honoring the Sacrifice of Heroes, Their Families, and Reflecting on Unity
ANZAC Day, a solemn occasion of remembrance and reverence, prompts us to delve into the profound depths of sacrifice and resilience, particularly that endured by the families of the fallen. It is a day that underpins the very foundations upon which our countries are built, reminding us of the steadfast belief in our common humanity and the need for unity in the face of adversity.
Originating from the valorous deeds of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I, ANZAC Day holds a sacred place in our collective consciousness. These brave individuals, encompassing soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen, exemplified unparalleled sacrifice by willingly placing their lives in harm’s way to defend our great nation. Their commitment to duty, often necessitating departure for theatres of war while their loved ones were expecting, has etched an unfathomed legacy of courage and selflessness upon the annals of our history.
The sacrifices made by these heroes compel us to delve into the fundamental principles of duty and honour with deep reflection. To paraphrase Mechem’s words, “there’s a saying that claims there are no irreplaceable people. Whoever said that clearly didn’t know the value of the fallen heroes. They are irreplaceable, at least from the current moral values point of view.
Their actions echo the timeless teachings found in various religious and philosophical traditions, resonating deeply with narratives like the biblical tale of Abraham’s unwavering readiness to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, and the Quranic account of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il. These stories illustrate the profound depth of sacrifice as an act of unparalleled love and devotion, urging us to transcend our individual desires for the betterment of all humanity.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
“And those who give away their wealth, seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, are like a garden on a hill: if heavy rain falls on it, its produce is doubled; if no heavy rain falls, dew is enough. Allah sees everything you do.” – Quran 2:261
Amid the valor and heroism of battle, it is the families of fallen heroes who shoulder the true weight of sacrifice. Their path is one of heavy anguish and solitary endurance as they navigate the tumultuous waters of grief and loss. The pregnant wife, eagerly awaiting her husband’s return, finds herself alone, the child grows without the embrace of their father’s arms, and the silent echoes of unfulfilled dreams linger in the home. The empty chair at the family table stands as a poignant symbol of the void left by those who offered everything they had.
Their sacrifice calls upon us to bridge divides, to heal wounds, and to strive for a society founded on unity and respect. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of social cohesion, as we honor the sacrifices made by these families and our fallen heroes. Their resilience in the face of such profound loss challenges us to embrace empathy, understanding, and compassion in our interactions with one another. We are reminded that their sacrifices were not in vain, and that it is our duty to honour their memory by fostering a community where every individual is valued and supported.
Reflecting on our failure to live in harmony in the land they sacrificed their lives for us to inhabit is a soul-searching consideration. In a world where sacrifice was possible for them, it’s disheartening to see the challenges of peaceful coexistence arise in the very land they fought to protect. Their sacrifices underscore the importance of social cohesion, reminding us that we are stronger when we stand together. If they were able to live, fight, and die in the most difficult circumstances, why is it difficult for us to live together with all our luxuries? How can we fail to protect mother Earth and the constitution they fought for? Just as they fell together in one trench, we must strive to live together in harmony and unity, moving forward in rhythm towards a shared future. We must show that this sacrifice of the ANZAC has valency and relevance in this day, this age, of a multicultural and multifaith nation.
In conclusion, ANZAC Day stands as a solemn reminder of the selfless sacrifices made by our service heroes – those who fell, those who came back – and their families. It is a day of deep reflection and remembrance, where we pay tribute to their unwavering courage and selflessness. As we honor their memory, let us heed the call to action, to build a world where peace, harmony, and understanding prevail.
Their memory serves as a poignant reminder of the value of unity and the necessity of coming together as a society. Just as they stood united on the battlefield, let us stand united in our commitment to upholding the principles they fought and died for. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi,
“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace. Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Let us honor their sacrifice by fostering a world where love, compassion, and understanding triumph over discord and strife. Let us strive to be the change we wish to see in the world, for the sake of those who gave everything for the greater good.
Reference
Anzac Portal. (n.d.). Sample speeches for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. In Sharing Australia’s military and service history through the experiences of our veterans. Retrieved from https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/event-planning/sample-speeches-anzac-day-and-remembrance-day
One News (2023). Governor-General’s Anzac Day speech: ‘We honour all who have served. https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/25/governor-generals-anzac-day-speech-we-honour-all-who-have-served/
Debates, House of Commons. (2020, November 11). Remembrance, UK Armed Forces and Society (Vol. 683). Official Report, House of Commons, London, UK.
