By Richard Lawrence
Australians and New Zealanders have been commemorating the landings at Gallipoli during the Great War since 1916. “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,” stated Wing Commander Mike Salvador, the newly arrived New Zealand defence advisor who was the master of ceremonies at this year’s 102nd ANZAC Day, held at the Canadian War Museum on April 25, 2017.
Although all chairs were filled, it was a smaller ceremony than in the past couple of years, when it was standing room only. Also absent this year was anyone of significance from the Canadian government which, in the past, had been represented by such dignitaries as the Governor-General of Canada and/or the prime minister. And although Chief of Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance 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, followed by a hymn and a prayer, and then an address by His Excellency Daniel Mellsop, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Canada. During his speech, Mellsop reiterated that, although this day commemorates the Gallipoli landings, it also recognizes the huge losses the two countries suffered on the Western Front during WWI and all the losses of military personnel since. Following an address by Wynnyk, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s Memoriam was read by His Excellency Selçuk Ünal, Ambassador to Turkey. Laurence Binyon’s ode “For the Fallen” was read my His Excellency Tony Negus, High Commissioner of Australia. From this point, the ceremony resembled most other remembrance ceremonies with the playing of the Last Post and the Rouse, and the laying of wreaths.
What is special about this ceremony is that all combatants participate in its remembrance, understanding that both sides had losses, and that, although enemies during the First World War, Turkey cares for the fallen Australia and New Zealand soldiers who are interred there with reverence and care. This is truly unique, as you don’t see this in other remembrance ceremonies, where former enemies unite to remember all those lost to battle.
Afterwards, all were invited to join the High Commissioners of New Zealand and Australia for morning tea in the Canadian War Museum lobby. (Fruit, juices, piggies in a blanket, huge croissants, cookies, and other munchies I think constitutes more than “tea”.)
For more photos: http://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2017/anzac102/
