Posted on 04/21/2006 9:39:24 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
MATESHIP is set to be be a central theme of Anzac Day commemorations around Australia this week, with organisers expecting large crowds.
Australians will pause on Tuesday to remember the sacrifices of those who died in the line of duty, 91 years after the original Anzacs landed at Gallipoli.
This year's commemorations come just days after an Australian soldier accidentally fatally shot himself while maintaining his rifle in Baghdad on Friday.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to veterans' Anzac Day marches and parades in major cities and towns throughout Australia.
The Defence Department says about 1500 Australian servicemen and women are taking part in military and humanitarian operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Bougainville, the Middle East, the Sinai, Pakistan, and in the global war on terror.
RSL national President Bill Crews today said he expected young Australians to turn out in large numbers at Anzac Day services, which would be much the same as those in recent years.
Major General Crews said many Australians were searching for a sense of national identity and were inspired by the Anzacs' spirit and bravery.
"We are expecting increasing numbers, as has been the trend in recent years, particularly among young Australians coming out and looking for a sense of national identity," he said.
"They're wanting to understand more clearly what this has been about and acknowledge the sacrifices of those who have gone before us."
Maj Gen Crews said the RSL wanted this year's Anzac Day ceremonies to deliver an important message of mateship.
"The mateship that was demonstrated by the Anzacs – that can actually be carried out in our everyday lives," he said.
"The way we treat each other, help one another, the way we extend dignity to those in the community."
Australian Defence Association executive director Neil James urged people to think of Australian soldiers serving in current military operations around the world.
"People should commemorate the sacrifices made in the past but they should also think about the sacrifices being made in the present," Mr James said.
"Australian service men and women are still out there doing these things for the country."
Legacy, a charity which helps the families of Australian service personnel, will distribute sprigs of rosemary in memory of soldiers who died in combat.
Rosemary was symbolic for Australia because it was found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, Legacy President Lawrie Wright said.
"Legacy was founded on the mateship of veterans and dedicated to the welfare of the families of our fallen servicemen and women," he said.
AUSTRALIA! AUSTRALIA! AUSTRALIA! WE LOVE YA!
AND NEW ZEALAND TOO! (even though you're over run by lefties!)
May God bless you all, and especially your Military men and women, overseas and at home.
Bayonne, NJ stands with you, I feel secure in saying that!
God bless the Aussies and Kiwis... and heartfelt thanks for the support they continue to give.
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