EDITION 59, APRIL 2015
100 years of the ANZAC Spirit Whilst the nation commemorates the 100 years of the ANZAC tradition this year so too will Gordonvale with many events planned, including functions to the lead up on Saturday the 25th of April 2015. ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. The bravery of all military personnel who participated in this campaign and the lives of those who died in all military actions are remembered.
start of the ANZAC spirit. This is an Australasian ideal based on the "mateship" and cheerful suffering the forces showed during this campaign. ANZAC Day is also a public holiday and day of remembrance in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. It is also commemorated with special services and events on or around April 25 in a range of countries across the globe. These include: the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Canada and the United States (including Hawaii). The ANZAC commemoration in Gordonvale has always been a popular and well organised event and this year is no different. The dawn service this year will form up at 5.30am for a 6am ceremony at the cenotaph in Norman Park, guests will then be welcome at the RSL for breakfast followed by the start of the March commencing at 9.30am.
In the early months of 1915, World War I was raging in most of Europe, including the Ottoman empire in the geographical area that is now Turkey. Russian troops were fighting on many fronts, particularly against troops from Germany and the Ottoman and Austro -Hungarian empires. At dawn on April 25, 1915, forces from France, Great Britain and the British Empire, including Australia and New Zealand, landed at a number of places on the Gallipoli peninsula. The campaign aimed to open up new fronts for the Allied forces and a trade route to Russia.
Participants in the March are asked to form up at the front of the Gordonvale Primary School at 9am where they will march to Norman Park. At 10.00am the main service, wreath laying, the last post and speeches will begin at the cenotaph.
In the ensuing battle, many lives were lost on both sides and the Allied forces did not succeed in opening a trade route to Russia. The last ANZAC forces withdrew from the Gallipoli Peninsula by December 20, 1915, in a successful operation with very few casualties. In spite of their losses, the ANZAC servicemen and many Australians and New Zealanders saw this battle as the
After the service people are once again welcome at the Gordonvale RSL for drinks and entertainment. Traditionally the Gordonvale RSL is well attended and this year being the 100th should make it extra special. Please support your local RSL a very important day of the year, as we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the life we have.
PEARCE
EXCAVATOR
Gordonvale
Contact John for a quote Ph: 07 4056 3712 Mob: 0412 772 585 E: pearcepainters@bigpond.com
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