My parents, grandparents, Aunts and Uncles were in the British forces so the ANZAC legend did not feature strongly in my family. However, it was certainly strong in my husband’s family. Then as I began my RAAF career the ANZAC legend became more prominent in my life. I began to understand what it meant, the sacrifices and the achievements. I always marched in Honor of those who served.
Each year we pay homage not only to those original ANZACs, but to all who died or were disabled in their service to this country. They enrich our nation’s history. Their hope was for the freedom of mankind and we remember with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship. They served on land and sea and in the air, in many places throughout the world. Side by side, black and white, rich and poor, people of many cultures fought for Australia, their home.
The Spirit of ANZAC is an intangible thing. It is unseen, unpredictable, an unquenchable thirst for justice, freedom and peace. This phrase is synonymous with 'The Spirit of the Anzacs’ However, despite being intangible, the Spirit of ANZAC is an integral part of our heritage.
On the morning of April 25th, 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops landed under fire at Gallipoli, and it was then and in the violent campaign which followed, that the ANZAC tradition was forged.
This is something which has been a significant influence on my life with family connections and my own service career.
Seeing those old diggers marching and the emotions they showed at the services across Australia. Hearing their stories as we sat in various RSL halls following marches and talking to the unsung heroes, the families of those who served. Reading numerous books on the subject with more and more information being released as its declassified.
I also fear for our future as we do not appear to have learnt to live in peace. Wars still break out; people still suffer.
Heather Hartland
May 2023
Each year we pay homage not only to those original ANZACs, but to all who died or were disabled in their service to this country. They enrich our nation’s history. Their hope was for the freedom of mankind and we remember with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship. They served on land and sea and in the air, in many places throughout the world. Side by side, black and white, rich and poor, people of many cultures fought for Australia, their home.
The Spirit of ANZAC is an intangible thing. It is unseen, unpredictable, an unquenchable thirst for justice, freedom and peace. This phrase is synonymous with 'The Spirit of the Anzacs’ However, despite being intangible, the Spirit of ANZAC is an integral part of our heritage.
On the morning of April 25th, 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops landed under fire at Gallipoli, and it was then and in the violent campaign which followed, that the ANZAC tradition was forged.
This is something which has been a significant influence on my life with family connections and my own service career.
Seeing those old diggers marching and the emotions they showed at the services across Australia. Hearing their stories as we sat in various RSL halls following marches and talking to the unsung heroes, the families of those who served. Reading numerous books on the subject with more and more information being released as its declassified.
I also fear for our future as we do not appear to have learnt to live in peace. Wars still break out; people still suffer.
Heather Hartland
May 2023
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