As a military brat and a student of history, what surprises me is the respect which military forces accord their foes.
The Turks have always been recognized as ferocious fighters; we are fortunate to have them as allies now.
On ANZAC Day, as the descendents of the valiant men who died at Gallipoli visit the beach, the Turkish people there accord them hospitality and honor.
It seems to me that the villains at Gallipoli were as much the British commanders who allowed the ANZAC forces to be used as fodder, more than the Turks who were doing what the opponent is tasked to do: kill the enemy.
You heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives ….
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ….
You, the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace after having lost their lives on this land. They have become our sons as well.