Australians and New Zealanders have been commemorating the landings at Gallipoli during the Great War since 1916 and “…it has become the national day of commemoration to remember those Australians and New Zealanders who died during WWI, WWII, and all subsequent wars and peacekeeping operations in which both countries have been involved.” according to Wing Commander Mike Salvador, the newly arrived New Zealand Defence Advisor who was the master of ceremonies at this years’ 102nd ANZAC Day, held at the Canadian War Museum on the 25th of April, 2017. Although all chairs were filled, it was a smaller ceremony than in the past couple of years which were filled to capacity with standing room only. Also absent this year was anyone of significance from the Canadian government who, in the past, has been represented by the Governor-General and/or the Prime Minister or a senior Minister. And although the Chief of Defence Staff was also absent, he was ably and appropriately represented by LGen. Paul Wynnyk, Commander of the Canadian Army.
The ceremony started with the posting of sentries around three stacked rifles, a hymn and a prayer, and then an address by His Excellency Daniel Mellsop, High Commissioner of New Zealand. During his speech he reiterated that although this commemorates the Gallipoli landings, it also includes the huge losses on the western front during WWI and all the losses of military personnel since. LGen Wynnyk responded after which Mustafa Kemal Atakturk’s Memoriam was read by His Excellency Selçuk Ünal, Ambassador to Turkey and the Ode “For the Fallen” was read my His Excellency Tony Negus, High Commissioner of Australia. From this point, the ceremony resembled most remembrance ceremonies with the Last Post, the Rouse, and laying of wreaths.
What is unique about this ceremony is that both combatants participate in the remembrance understanding that both sides had losses and that the Australia and New Zealands once enemy is now the protector of their cherished dead and that Turkey has risen to that responsibility with reverence and care for its’ once enemy. This is truly unique as you don’t see this in other remembrance ceremonies.
Afterwards, all were invited to join the High Commissioners of New Zealand and Australia at a morning tea in the Canadian War Museum lobby and let me say that if this was just tea, then I would expect New Zealanders and Australians to be much fatter than they appear to be. Fruit, juices, piggies in a blanket, huge croissants, cookies, and other munchies I think constitutes more than “tea”.
to see all the pictures from the ceremony, CLICK HERE:
