The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The aim was to capture the Dardanelles, the gateway to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. At the end of the campaign, Gallipoli was still held by its Turkish defenders.
Thousands lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign: 87,000 Turks, 44,000 men from France and the British Empire, including 8500 Australians. To this day, Australia also marks the events of 25 April. Among the dead were 2721 New Zealanders, almost one in four of those who served on Gallipoli.
Anzac Day was first marked in 1916. The day has gone through many changes since then. The ceremonies that are held at war memorials up and down New Zealand, or in places overseas where New Zealanders gather, remain rich in tradition and ritual befitting a military funeral.
This is at Oamaru Cemetery and these are the graves of those who fought in any war. Every grave had a fresh posy of flowers today!
What a beautiful shot, Maggiemae. I know so little about your history and this is fascinating. Thank you so much for all your wonderful research you do.
Beautiful shot love your POV with your tiny flash of red to the right making the eye travel the whole scene ---enjoyed the interesting history - thank you Maggie Mae
Really lovely shot, NZ & Australia will be tied together forever and it's nice to know every year the Anzac tradition lives on it is part of who we are :)
It is good and important to commemorate those who have fought to free our countries. In that manner we might remember some of the lessons learned. Lovely shot.
