Australians Share Their Sentiments About ANZAC Day

Throughout Australia, in large cities and small towns alike, April 25, 2018, millions gather to commemorate the national day of rememberance, being ANZAC Day, a day to remember all who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.

Tens of thousands of Australians, New Zealanders and others gathered on this holiday at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra this year to honour those who have served in the military, particularly those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

The popularity of this national holiday continues to increase each year. Laurie Whelan, a visitor to the national memorial service from Bendigo in Victoria observed, “There has been a significant change over the last 10-15 years, where the crowds have grown enormously, including many more young people. I think through understanding and learning they grow to understand the sacrifice that many Australians gave as part of their service to their country.” 

Terry and Coral Beaven, from the Beenleigh Ward (congregation) in Queensland, travelled to the ANZAC Day commemoration in Canberra to meet their daughter and son-in-law, Adam and Nancy Middis, from Eugwora, NSW along with their two granddaughters.  Both Terry and his son-in-law, Adam are veterans of service in the Australian military.

Terry Beaven, a 12-year veteran of the Australian Air Force, stated, “ANZAC Day  is a special day for all Australians. I think it should be a special day for everyone, because the servicemen actually gave us the inheritance of freedom in our country as it is today. I spent 12 years in the Air Force (including 12 months in Vietnam) and I know that peace is a better place.”  Terry’s wife, Coral, added, “ANZAC Day reminds me of my Dad and my grandfather who served in the forces, and all the others. When we travel Australia and we see the memorials for these wonderful people, it gives us hope that we have freedom and that we’ll continue to have it.”

Adam Middis, a member of the Orange Branch (a small congregation), who served five years in the military, explained, “What ANZAC Day means for me personally is that a lot of Australians, and even others from other cultures, gave their lives that we may have freedom here in Australia.  We enjoy celebrating ANZAC Day to remember those who are fallen.”  Adam’s wife, Nancy, commented, “ANZAC Day means to me that we are young and free, and so many people gave their lives so that we could have that privilege, and I’m eternally grateful for that.

The powerful messages of the dawn service and the ANZAC Day national ceremony reflect a people who love their country, and respect and appreciate the sacrifices others have made so they can enjoy freedom today.