Anzac Day Commemorations Set For Tomorrow
Tomorrow [Apr 25] marks centenary Anzac Day commemorations in Bermuda, with a dawn service on Coral Beach that will take place beginning at 6.15am.
In describing the the significance of ANZAC Day, the Australian War Memorial website says, “When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and the new federal government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world.
“When Britain declared war in August 1914 Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth.
“In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.”
Slideshow of last year’s Anzac Day ceremony on Front Street:
“The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.
“At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. The Gallipoli campaign had a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war.
“Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.”
Those interested in attending this event, and a commemorative service at St George’s for WW1 soldiers, should contact Jane Chapman by email at jane.chapman1@gmail,com or by telephone at 599-5000 for details.
