On the 25 April 1915 a bunch of Australians and New Zealanders landed at Gallopoli.
The operation was pretty much a balls up from start to finish with the soldiers being landed in the wrong spot and the Turkish army digging in. Over 8 months the two sides fought, both suffering huge casualties until some smart person had the idea to withdraw.
91 years later this date is one of Australia's biggest national moments. Thousands turn out for commemorative dawn services and marches through all our capitals.
My issue is this. It's a public holiday. However over the last few years more and more businesses open on Anzac Day. Can we really not exist for 24 hours without movies, fashion shops and restaurants? Are we so shallow that this landmark in our history and the deaths of so many young people can't be commemorated without commercialism?
I guess the answer is, sadly yes.
The operation was pretty much a balls up from start to finish with the soldiers being landed in the wrong spot and the Turkish army digging in. Over 8 months the two sides fought, both suffering huge casualties until some smart person had the idea to withdraw.
91 years later this date is one of Australia's biggest national moments. Thousands turn out for commemorative dawn services and marches through all our capitals.
My issue is this. It's a public holiday. However over the last few years more and more businesses open on Anzac Day. Can we really not exist for 24 hours without movies, fashion shops and restaurants? Are we so shallow that this landmark in our history and the deaths of so many young people can't be commemorated without commercialism?
I guess the answer is, sadly yes.
posted by Susan at 10:25 AM
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