This weekend, Anzac Day reaches a milestone anniversary. 100 years have passed since the Gallipoli landings of the First World War, and a century on, the significance of the date has not been lost on Australians.
As a tribute to Australian soldiers, past and present, a commemorative coloured $2 coin has been released, marking this important moment in Australian history. The coin captures the history and service of Australians at war, and features poppies, a symbol of remembrance. It is only the fourth coloured coin ever to enter circulation in Australia.
“There will be approximately 1.5 million coins released into circulation over the coming weeks which will provide an opportunity for the public to be able to secure a keepsake for this special occasion,” John Cobb said.
The plight of the Anzac is deeply ingrained in us; the battle at Gallipoli lasted for a grueling nine months, and took the lives of 8700 soldiers. 100 years on, the first Anzacs are revered as cultural icons, and national heroes.
The legend of the Anzac soldier has been solemnly handed down through generations by families and friends who re-tell the stories, celebrate the survivors and honour those who lost their lives on behalf of our freedom.
Like a fingerprint, their legacy is unique to our cultural identity, and every year, many Australians make the humbling pilgrimage to Gallipoli to show their respects at Anzac Cove.
For the 100th anniversary, over 42,000 Australians applied for one of 8200 passes to the Dawn Service held in Gallipoli. The poignant commemorations will also be attended by 10 widows of WWI Anzac veterans, school groups and soldiers’ descendants, among others.
In Australia, people of all ages across the nation will take the time to pay their respects to the fallen and returned soldiers of war; world-wide Australians stop to unite in a morning of reflection and respect.
It was veterans and families of casualties who campaigned for a day of remembrance. Federal MP Angus Taylor said “it is the community which has continued to demand a place and time to remember, to find a way to tell the stories of ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things.”
The 100th anniversary is a deeply important commemorative event that will be recognized and celebrated across the country and the world. Here in Canowindra, a 6am Dawn Service will be held in Memorial Park, followed by an open breakfast at Canowindra Services Club and a march along Gaskill Street.
John Cobb said Anzac Day is “the day when Australians gather to remember that freedom has a cost and freedom of expression is not something to be taken for granted”; a reminder that the idea of freedom that Anzacs fought and died for deserves to be respected and cherished.
“Let us use this time in our history to better understand our strength as a young nation, and in the spirit of the Anzacs, our potential to stand together as a community,” said Angus Taylor.