ANZAC Day

Anzac Day runs deeper than nationalism or military pride, The Weekend Australian says in its editorial on Saturday.

Today's Anzacs are defending our nation against global terrorism with all the distinction of their forerunners who scaled the Gallipoli cliffs 94 years ago, and stopped the Japanese at Milne Bay in 1942.

The nation also honour our 102,000 war dead, including 61,000 in World War I, 39,000 in World War II, 340 in Korea, 521 in Vietnam and smaller numbers in other conflicts.

Anzac Day honours those who sacrificed all to allow Australians to live in peace. the newspaper says.

"It acknowledges our prisoners of war, and the debilitating wounds endured by thousands of survivors, and the loneliness and suffering of families whose loved ones were lost or maimed.

"A sombre, reflective commemoration of past campaigns, it has evolved to embrace new generations, renewing itself at the grassroots, and ensuring the fallen live on in the national pantheon...

"Australians need Anzac Day. Our mateship, gleaned from the early Diggers, makes it vital to salute our armed forces, past and present, for their brave service, loyalty and sacrifice. Lest we forget."

(This is copied from NZTV.com.nz)

Deuteronomy 32:7 (NIV)
7 Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.