In the leadup to ANZAC Day on Thursday, the AIPM pays homage to our Australian Defence Force Service personnel, our veteran community and the families who support them. The actions of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli forged an enduring legacy that has shaped the identity of both our nations. The staunch defence of Gallipoli is also a key element in the national identity of Türkiye and over a century on, Australia, New Zealand and Türkiye consider themselves friendly nations.
A quote, attributed to the Ottoman Commander at Gallipoli, Colonel Mustafa Kemal states:
'Those heroes that 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 the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ... You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway 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.'
In 1923, Mustafa Kemal became the first President of The Republic of Turkey and is known to history by his title Atatürk or ‘Father of the Turks’.
It is important to note that ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance and commemoration recognising the sacrifice of our Service personnel, in particular, those who lost their lives in service to their country, in all wars.
Ode of Remembrance
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.