A reflection for Anzac day
What I do know
On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day.
On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany.
The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan 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. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians at home. The 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.
The Anzacs were courageous and although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy.
What I kind of know.
The lads from the farms who upped their ages and never returned. People from this district whose names are not recorded but neither are they forgotten. The women who waited back home and those who dressed gaping wounds. Those who lived amongst corpses and mud and freezing cold. Those who had to make the decision to knowingly send others to their death. Those who went ‘over the top’ knowing that this would be the last thing they did.
What I do know.
Sometimes the only prayer is
“Have mercy”
A litany
On those who are prisoners of conscience have mercy
On those who mourn in secret have mercy
On those who suffer mentallyhave mercy
On those whose service went unnoticed have mercy
On those who stayed behind have mercy
On those who delivered telegrams have mercy
On those who are still fearful today have mercy
On the souls of those who have died in conflict. have mercy
On those who are prisoners of war have mercy
On those who negotiate for peace have mercy
On those who can no longer march have mercy
For the times I have not perceived the tears of others
have mercy
For the times that I have held onto grudges and anger
have mercy
For the times that I have misunderstood
have mercy
For the times that I have not listened
have mercy
For the times I have chosen prejudice over understanding
have mercy
For the times I did not want to be reconciled
have mercy
For the times that did not choose helpful words
have mercy
For the times I have not been at peace with God
have mercy
For the times I have not been at peace with others
have mercy
Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on earth. We beseech You to guide all the nations and their leaders in the ways of justice and peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. Teach us to cease the storing and using of implements of war. Lead us to find peace, respect and freedom. Unite us in the making and sharing of tools of peace against ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression. Grant that we may grow in harmony and friendship as brothers and sisters created in Your image, to Your honour and praise. Amen