I've attended many dawn parades on ANZAC day over the years but today's was the largest turnout I've seen.
Big is not necessarily better though.
The big screens detracted more than added.
The late and rather limp two helicopter flypast was an anticlimax.
Auckland Mayor's speech was OK but the man now lacks moral and political credibility.
The huge numbers made for an impersonal disconnect.
The essential function of ANZAC parades as a funeral service seemed to have been downplayed
The repeated references to god and religion in connection with the campaigns and losses is now offensive.
Over the years the ANZAC day commemorations I've attended have changed seemingly with the decades. In the 50's and early 60's there was silent patriotism along with naivety and pride. The true story wasn't really known and the day was sacred and almost magical.
In the later 60's and 70's the anti-war sentiment sparred with the still-living old soldiers' commemorations.
In the 80's and 90's people seemed to forget. Attendances were down and there was a danger of the day disappearing. Perhaps this was a reflection of the dying off of the WW1 and WW2 servicemen and servicewomen.
In the 2000's to today younger people have been inspired by their grandfather's and great-grandfather's stories and have involved their children in a celebration of the past. As a memorial day it is again alive and well but time and perhaps hype has blunted the pathos and sadness of the occasion.
In 2015 because of the significance of the centenary we have been inundated with the story of Gallipoli and other battles of WW1. This has been good particularly when presented in the form of personal stories of the men involved -the very young and frightened young men who set off for an adventure and got screwed. I hope that the education young people have received, which is far more extensive and comprehensive than people of my age ever received, will remember for the future.
16 comments:
I was impressed that our mayor supported the sentiment that war is evil and to be avoided.
A popular post - it pulled two comments.
"The repeated references to god and religion in connection with the campaigns and losses is now offensive."
Yes I see them so too. Any dad or mum hates to see his children fighting.
God poured his everything into bloody humanity. All the little buggers do is be selfish, look after number one and try to get on top.
Then he thought Ok I'll join them and tell them the way to live.
They killed me!
...Him!
Right.
Who?
Oh, him.
Or as you would say - 'Him'
Richard would probably say 'Iit' or 'her'.
'it'.
But then he lost his faith back in Intermediate school.
It was the first year of Secondary school for me.
When will you lose yours Second?
Remember that with Extreme Unction you can join up again at the last moment, or with a friendly priest (they can easily be kept on side with the odd bottle of whisky or brandy) even after the last moment has passed and join the faith and avoid any unpleasantness.
Just a thought.
I'm hoping the occasional prayer and hope that God helps me in my repetitive sinning does the trick.
Of course I could be wrong.
I'm intrigued.
How does god help you in your repetitive sinning?
Does he watch the door while you 'rub one out'?
Does he pretend it was Him when you fart in a lift?
Does he render the IRD blind when you submit your GST returns?
What?
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