The ANZAC Day comemorations seem to go through peaks and troughs of popularity. At the Moment, it seems to be riding quite a high. Many of the Veterans Associations are pleased that the young are taking an interest in the history of the country and some of it's traditions. While just about every small village, town, or city will have some form of event to mark this year's 90th anniversary, there appears to be a lot more 20 somethings getting involved. But is it for the right reasons?
This year will see around 10,000 Australians and New Zealanders travelling to the place where it all began, ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli, Turkey. Not all of those are keen to be a part of the solemn remembrance of sacrifices in war. To many, it's just another destination on the Backpacker Trail. This year, there has been much controversy regarding roadworks that have sliced through the original landing site and unearthed many unmarked graves and permanently changed the scene. They were apparently requested by the Aust Gov't to accomodate the expected 10,000 aussies and Kiwis and an anticipated 200,000 Turks. There were plans for an all-night celebration including Dance music and live performances by pop singers, but these were quashed after protests from the NZ Government (See, they're good for something!). However, that won't stop some who see it as an excuse for a big drunken party.
These pictures come from our daily paper and show some of the revelry from the 2004 event. Have a good look at the details and you will see that they are headstones that people are trampling and sleeping on. A Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetary, in fact!
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't see how anyone could could talk a young Aussie out of a night of drinking, maybe a root behind the bushes and later a quick vomit to clear the head. For some, it's a way of life. But to travel half way around the world just to attend this country's most sacred (secular) ceremony, to disgrace yourself in front of the world and to do it in a CWGC cemetary ON the graves just staggers me. To say saddened and dissapointed is a HUGE understatement. It's just CRIMINAL!
Would this have been tolerated in the cemetaries of Normandy in 2004? Would these people find this OK do this in ANY sort of cemetary, let alone during a remembrance ceremony in a CWGC cemetary?
I really think the government needs to rethink future Dawn Services at Gallipoli. It is plain that that the small area cannot accomodate over 200,000 people in the grounds of the several cemetaries that dot the peninsula. It is also plain that they cannot continue to bulldoze vast scars into the hillsides containing the bodies of missing soldiers, just to provide the carparks to serve these thousands. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister just sees thousands of adoring voters when he adresses them and is loath to cut back the crowds. I think the NZ Gov't is at least thinking the right way on this, but as is usually the way, the Australians overwhelm them with numbers and shout them down. I think numbers need to be reduced either by $1000 a head tickets or a ballot system, anything!
Sad, sad, sad.
