Introduction
The present world enjoys peace, freedom and democracy among other benefits that our ancestors found to be scarce in their times. During those times, freedom was unthinkable, countries were colonized, and the fight for freedom was intense. For instance, some of the reasons for world war I sought to open trade routes in Russia, which was quite difficult.
Australian as well as New Zealand soldiers sacrificed their lives to defend freedom and democracy. In the process, a number of them lost their lives; others suffered severe damages, which included physical, emotional and mental effects. Military actions in various countries around the world during the 20th century were quite influential to current political state of the world. However, it is quite important to note that the current generations rarely recognize these sacrifices.
In fact, even though such ceremonies are regularly convened in remembrance of them, few people take time to understand what really happened. In sharp contrast, the youth in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly developing interest in ANZAC day, which remembers military action that occurred in 1915, involving soldiers from both countries. This paper will explore meaning of ANZAC day, as well as youth’s increasing interest in the same (Narushima, 2010, p. 1).
ANZAC Day
ANZAC day is considered as one of the most important anniversaries in both New Zealand and Australia. The occasion marks anniversary of both countries’ greatest military action, which occurred during the first world war in Turkey.
This term refers to Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. In addition, the term is commonly used to refer to forces from Army Corps. This commemoration involves several events, which has attributed greatly to its lasting influence on youths, who find such ceremonies enticing as well as memorable (Robinson, 2010, p. 14).
Meaning of ANZAC today
ANZAC day is quite influential in Australian lives. The level of seriousness in conducting of this event has a special meaning to Australians today. For instance, It conveys to Australians, the various meanings of war. This is mainly because of the way it is usually conducted. The process is usually broken down into two main phases namely, at dawn and during the day.
The former involves commemorative service on 25th April of every year. This is mainly because it reflects on the time when survivors of military action landed from war. On the other hand, the latter involves marching throughout major cities and centers, as well as ceremonies at war memorials (Ministry for Culture and Heritage, 2010, p. 1).
Young People’s Interest in ANZAC
Young people in both Australia and New Zealand are increasingly gaining interest in their history. This is mainly because these events are commemorated regularly (annually) as well as taught in history. It therefore gives them a chance to evaluate fully the happenings along with sacrifices that were made by these brave soldiers to secure freedom for all (New Zealand mortgages, 2011, p. 1-2).
Moreover, the benefits of ANZAC are vivid and as Miss Gourley accounts, it gives them freedom to speak. In this regard, the day has become very significant in adolescent community as they encounter it both in school and in elaborate annual commemorations (Australian War Memorial, 2011, p. 1).
Conclusion
ANZAC day is very significant in Australian lives as well as New Zealanders. This is mainly because their soldiers put their lives on the line, to protect democracy and freedom in world war I. It therefore conveys to Australians the various meanings of war. Moreover, young people in both Australia and New Zealand are increasingly gaining interest in their history. This is mainly because they encounter it both in school and in elaborate annual commemorations (Helliwell, 2010, p. 1).
References
Australian War Memorial, 2011. The ANZAC Day tradition. Web.
Helliwell, Genevieve, 2010. More young people honouring Anzac Day. Bay of plenty times. Web.
Ministry for Culture and Heritage, 2010. Anzac Day Today. Web.
Narushima, Yuko, 2008. Call for a cap on Gallipoli crowds. The Sydney Morning Herald. Web.
New Zealand mortgages, 2011. Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand. Web.
Robinson, Helen, 2010. ‘Lest we Forget? The Fading of New Zealand War Commemorations, 1946-1966’, New Zealand Journal of History, 44 (1), p.14.