Gallipoli spirit alive despite day marred by hecklers
Tens of thousands of people gathered across the country to mark Anzac Day, marking 111 years since Anzac troops landed at Gallipoli, but the somber occasion was overshadowed by a disruptive but vocal minority.
Nearly 2,000 people attended the dawn ceremony at the Anzac Shroud on Türkiye’s Gallipoli coast on Saturday.
The Gallipoli campaign, part of the British-led effort to defeat the Ottoman Empire, ultimately failed to gain control of the Dardanelles and resulted in the deaths of more than 8000 Australians during a fierce eight-month conflict.
However, this war helped revive the national identities of Australia and New Zealand.
“Gallipoli reminds us that while there is an honor in serving one’s country, the cost of war is never borne solely by our servicemen and women,” Australian Ambassador to Turkey Sally Anne-Vincent told the assembled crowd. he said.
“It resonates across families, communities and generations.”
In Australia’s major cities, this message was on full display as thousands lined the streets to celebrate the traditional Anzac Day parade.
But a lack of respect has previously been shown by noise and booing during the recognition of the Country at dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, leading to harsh condemnation from politicians and the RSL.
Police have confirmed that a 24-year-old man in Sydney was arrested, later charged with nuisance and will appear in court on June 3.
Several others in the 11,000-strong crowd also moved on.
Of particular interest was the appearance of Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier and now accused war criminal, joining service on the Gold Coast.
The 47-year-old Victoria Cross recipient was released on bail last week after being charged with war crime murder offenses while serving in Afghanistan.
“I’ve never thought about not coming, I was always going to be here,” he said, briefly speaking to the media.
Once the formalities were completed, thousands of people migrated to various hotels to experience yet another form of Anzac Day tradition, doubling down.
Typical Australian fun is only allowed one day a year, and even then only after midday.
