Why Is Anzac Day Important

The ANZAC commemoration is the fundamental of the principle beliefs to those who sacrificed and fought for us to be here today, the 25th of April is the day we celebrate, not a military triumph but rather a day that is central to Australia’s natural pride and identity. Anzac Day remains one of the most significant and important traditions as a day to celebrate those who lost their lives fighting for their flag in World War I (21 July 1914 - 11 November 1918) and World War 2 (1st September 1939 - 2 September 1945) which remains a day where we remember those courageous soldiers who left a legacy behind leading to subsequent engagements that have been brought towards this celebration. Over the past decade there has been much debate regarding the significance of this celebration and whether it should have it’s current recognition.

The article ‘Myth over what matters’ written by Henry Reynolds and Marilyn Lake

Was released by the Sydney Morning Herald on the 3rd April 2010. In this article it questions the purpose and intentions of

Anzac day claiming that the Australians focused on the events that happened here and continued to overlook what the soldiers had done overseas, the upsurge of interest has changed the culture in Australia immensely. Through this they expressed their concerns with the homage paid to the Anzac spirit as well as the militarisation of our history. They have suggested that Australia should look at alternative traditions that have given the country the pride of place to the equality of opportunity and the pursuit of social justice which put into the perspective the ideals of a living wage and sustainable working conditions, including the long struggle and hardship for sexual and racial equality.

In another source they also spoken about the vainglory argument which in other words is “boastful vanity.” In this context it states that the way we commemorate a huge portion of our history on our military parts is seemingly boastful and way out of proportion to the impact of our arms on the conflicts we have been involved in.

Furthermore to this it claims we have generally been bit-part players in the overseas wars, in the Gallipoli campaign, the birthplace of the Anzac legend shows Australia made up of just 6% of casualties involved and 5 percent on both sides. This also speaks about how the War Commemoration is boastful and insensitive as it takes very little notice of the broader impact it has on human war in which quotes “how do the 100,000 or so Australian war deaths in the twentieth century compared with total deaths in wars around the world in that century?” further emphasising the claim that Australia was playing a bit part

role.

In contrast, the article “The Anzac Legend: a foundation myth” written by Donoghue and Tranter, University of Tasmania in 2008 firmly state that the myths which are associated with the Anzacs continue to play a firm role in Australia’s national identity whilst keeping important elements and symbols. Despite the campaign ending in retreat, as long the Anzacs continue to be celebrated by artists, writers, politicians and mass media the memory and courage of these brave young soldiers will continue to be remembered. We have to continue to the realisation that Anzac day is not a time and place, the first Anzac day was a time that took place where friends and family of the fallen soldiers came together quietly to remember their lost friends, brothers, sweethearts, husbands and fathers. They were ultimately not there to question the legitimacy of the battles their loved ones found themselves in, the sole reason they were there were to remember them and grieve. Anzac day is a day where we remember what the men and women who were willing to fight for their country; for people they would never even meet and give thanks for the sacrifice that they made. This is what we remember about Anzac day and much of our nation says we should leave Anzac day for the men and women who fought for our country. Although many aspects of the legend have been criticised, there is definitely a general consensus on what the Anzac spirit stands for. The Anzacs came to stand for the qualities which Australians have seen their forces show in war, it is a combination of these qualities that collectively make up the Anzac spirit and this includes endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship.

In conclusion, I have a firm belief that we should leave Anzac day for the men and women who thought for our country and to question whether they should have been their in the first place, on the very day we commemorate them for their heroics, is to dishonour their memory and sacrifice. In more recent times Arthur Bourke OAM has pointed out that the spirit of Anzac is not confined to the battlefield nor anything that can be seen and continued to describe the Anzac as "a powerful driving sensation that can only be felt. It is a feeling that burns in the heart of every Australian and New Zealand countryman. A warm, tender, fiery, even melancholy ideal that nurtures intense patriotism in the innermost soul of every body." which I believe helps us understand the true sacrifice they gave for Australia and the celebration of this day gives the country a true sense of identity.