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Well before this controversy over ANZAC day at Gallipoli, I had always felt uncomfortable at the thought of hoards of young people (usually the antipodean London-dwellers) who wanted to 'do' Gallipoli - basically tick it off their list of 'experiences' if you like. I know lots of people who have gone and it seems to be treated by many as just another stop-off on a Contiki tour.
I can understand making the pilgrimage if you had a family member who died there, but as for going there, camping out overnight, wrapping yourself in a flag and moronic 'patriotism', drinking beer and in some cases, being obnoxious and ignorant twits, it just makes me cringe. I feel sorry for the Turkish authorities who have to deal with such people.
Well I've always wanted to go but not to the circus it's become now.
For starters if I went, I'm not interested in draping myself in the flag, camping out with the screaming hoards AND as for drinking well screw that! I'd no more down beers at my grandfather's grave at the Necropolis at Springvale.
I have several relatives that were there, some who perished and some who made it home changed for ever. I do think it shapes us to some degree and it is a part of our history but I don't see it as something I need to do based on how it is now.
I am finding it more and more annoying that yobbos are hijacking these things.
The same concerns have been raised about the Kokoda Track. Too many absent minded Australians walking the track, disrespecting the PNG people (the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels"), trampling down plants, littering and causing erosion.
I don't think any Australian/New Zealander should miss out on the chance to experience a Dawn serivce at Gallipoli.
However, I do have agree with the article. The Turks have been very gracious in allowing us (the former enemy) to remember our fallen on "their" soil. The least we could do in return. Is to reciprocate some of that grace and treat the area with the respect it deserves.
There's a distinct danger that ANZAC Day will be forever ruined. By people who seem to completely miss what the day is about and why it's important!
Last edited by Kangaroofarmer; 04-08-2009 at 05:31 AM..
I went to Gallipoli 20 odd years ago on my OE and I think it should be a place that all Kiwis and Aussies, if they get a chance, should visit. It is the sort of place that makes you reflect on what those guys went through then, and what we have now.I cant deny though, that even then there were those who turned up just to party and tick it off their 'to do' list.What is happening at Gallipoli with the young is a sign of the times we live in and is not unique to just Gallipoli...it is all around us everyday. Makes me wonder what the next generation is going to be like??
As a pom i'am perhaps heading on sacred ground mentioning any thing about ANZAC day but it applies as much to the poms'[insome respect] as to the A/NZer's.Having been lucky enough to have lived in both country's,i have seen with my own eyes how differantly Australia does thing's compared to NZ.In Australia there is no doubt about it ,it has become a "spectacle" no-one it seem's is sure wheather to mourn respectfully or get drunk and beat their drums with other men's bones.To me the best way to respect the war dead is to dress smartly ,abstain from alcohol and behave,this is often the oposite of what happen's in Australia,and as far as Gallipoli goes this has become the "AUSTRALIA SHOW" dispite many other country's having been as involved,this has long been embarrassing,ban alcohol and see how many turn up,it is also worth mentioning the Turkish people and what they think,they were after all defending their country.New Zealand it seemed had a much differant way and i personally found it more appropriate...........Ithink Britain has got it right with remeberance sunday or armistice day turn up,lay a wreath and be sincere no bragging allowed...just my opinion
As a pom i'am perhaps heading on sacred ground mentioning any thing about ANZAC day but it applies as much to the poms'[insome respect] as to the A/NZer's.Having been lucky enough to have lived in both country's,i have seen with my own eyes how differantly Australia does thing's compared to NZ.In Australia there is no doubt about it ,it has become a "spectacle" no-one it seem's is sure wheather to mourn respectfully or get drunk and beat their drums with other men's bones.To me the best way to respect the war dead is to dress smartly ,abstain from alcohol and behave,this is often the oposite of what happen's in Australia,and as far as Gallipoli goes this has become the "AUSTRALIA SHOW" dispite many other country's having been as involved,this has long been embarrassing,ban alcohol and see how many turn up,it is also worth mentioning the Turkish people and what they think,they were after all defending their country.New Zealand it seemed had a much differant way and i personally found it more appropriate...........Ithink Britain has got it right with remeberance sunday or armistice day turn up,lay a wreath and be sincere no bragging allowed...just my opinion
In Brisbane at least, all establishments selling alcohol are shut until 2 pm in the afternoon on ANZAC day, well after all the morning ceremonies are complete, and that is absolutely everything, even the casino which operates 24 hours a day for the other 364 days of the year closes on ANZAC day.
They have to open eventually however, you can't deny the war veterans a catch up drink on their special day.
Personally I have never given much through to ANZAC day and are not a big attendee of the ceremonies. I did do a tour of Gallipoli while in turkey however (not on ANZAC Day) and despite the fact that I did not book through an Australian Company, and the huge majority of the group were not Australian or New Zealanders, the whole tour was basically all about the ANZACS.
Anzac day has become disgraceful. It's a sombre occassion but all those idiots in Gallipoli treat it like rugby match. Not only is it disrespectful to the Turkish people (let's not forget who was doing the invading) who have extended the hand of friendship but it also trivialises what should be a day of remembrance. Would you turn up to any other memorial wearing the Australian flag as a cape and a bright yellow "Fanatics - Gallipoli Tour" tshirt?
I am pleased that young people are interested in Gallipoli unlike 20 years ago when Diggers were being accused of glorifying war. I'm sure many of them go to Gallipoli to take in the atmosphere but there will always be some who see everything as a party and not there for the right reasons. I really don't think alcohol should be allowed in such a sacred site, doesn't have to be sombre either, just respect the meaning of the place.
Last edited by cushla; 08-08-2013 at 05:24 PM..
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