ANZAC Day

Today, the 25th of April marks the 93rd anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Gallipoli in 1915. The aim was to capture the Dardanelles, but by the end of the campaign, it was still in Turkish hands and over 120,000 men had lost their lives - 8500 Australians and 2721 New Zealanders. 

ANZAC Day began a year later, and has continued ever since. It now commemorates all the men who were willing to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and country. It honours those who did not return, and thanks those who did. It is a day of reflection, and this is shown in the many dawn services that take place all over the country. The deaths at Gallipoli - although pale in comparison to those in France - symbol the beginning of a national identity and a life-long friendship with the Australians.

This Australasian holiday makes me proud to be a New Zealander. To hear 'The Last Post' played at the dawn service makes me thank those who served - my great grandfather, and my Granddad. They were willing to stand up for Queen and country, and willing to risk their lives so that we could be free. It is a debt I can never repay.