ANZAC DAY

We will not try and compete with Poneke. But we will try another tack. It has been a privilege, from time to time, to be present at ANZAC Day commemorations abroad. New York, Singapore, London, elsewhere in Europe (but never in Turkey or France). Singapore was the most moving at one of the largest Commonwealth War Cemeteries (Kranji). Even though it is largely Australian, being in the middle of a cemetery containing so many ANZAC remains made the experience much more poignant than the average ceremony back home. What I like also about these offshore experiences is seeing Australia and New Zealand working as one. Usually our missions abroad take turns to organise the commemorations. Back home, we tend to forget the other partner. Indeed some years ago one of us hosted a delegation of Australian politicians who seemed astounded that we celebrated ANZAC Day too!!! So for the rest of today and the start of tomorrow, don't forget that the commemorations are going on all around the world. On ANZAC Day at least, around the world, the ANZAC spirit lives on. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could make the spirit as real in Australia and New Zealand as it is outside our borders....