Remember the past, contemplate the present
Anzac Day is an occasion to reflect on the complexity and contradiction of war. As Australia remembers the past and contemplates the present, it is also a time to recognise the involvement of indigenous soldiers, the contribution of women in the war and the reality of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April 1915. It was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated after heavy casualties on both sides.
There are ceremonies and dawn services across Australia and overseas to pay tribute to the nation’s servicemen and women.
Open Forum is a policy discussion website produced by Global Access Partners – Australia’s Institute for Active Policy. We welcome contributions and invite you to submit a blog to the editor and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Mastadon.
