NSW: Diversity celebrated at Anzac Day ceremonies

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2004
NSW: Diversity celebrated at Anzac Day ceremonies

By Sam Holmes

SYDNEY, April 25 AAP - Eighty-nine years after the Australian and New Zealand Army
Corps landed at Gallipoli, the solemn day has increasingly become a celebration of the
nation's diversity.

Despite the drab hues of its military rituals, Anzac Day has evolved into a colourful
spectacle celebrating diverse experiences of all generations affected by war.

But it still carries its sombre meaning.

At today's Sydney dawn service, the event attracted an army of youth - many draped
in Australian flags - alongside the dwindling numbers of the nation's oldest veterans.

The wreath-laying ceremony at 8.30am (AEST) was a chance for foreign diplomats to pay
respect to Australian sacrifice and was attended by NSW Opposition leader John Brogden
and federal Health Minister Tony Abbott.

While it seems a long way from the sportsfield to the battleground, for many young
Australians the Anzac spirit born in bloodshed continues to thrive in the international
sporting arena.

"I teach at a multicultural school in Liverpool," Alex Crowe said at the service.

"It just brings out the spirit of the Olympics when we all get together."

These sentiments were echoed by Kiwi digger Charles Krena, who served in Malaya, Borneo
and Vietnam.

Mr Krena's attendance at the dawn service was a reminder to many Australians of their
trans-Tasman cousins' contribution to the forces best known by their five-letter acronym.

"Anzac is Kiwis and Australia," said Mr Krena, who moved to Australia four years ago.

"There is a lot of camaraderie there, mate, between the Aussies and the Kiwis.

"We play hard together and fight hard together."

Even medal-laden veterans were seeing Anzac Day with fresh eyes.

Ron Kelly, from St Marys in Sydney's west, toured Vietnam in 1965 with the 1st Battalion
and attended his first Sydney dawn service today.

"It was very moving," Mr Kelly said.

"This is only the second (dawn service) one I've been to, last year we were in Gallipoli."

It has been several decades since Australia experienced heavy bloodletting in war,
but for some young Australians, Anzac Day is still a day to remember lost loved ones.

Kelly Martin, of Rose Bay, said her father served in Malaya and died a few weeks before
Anzac Day last year.

"This would only be the third (service I've been to)," Ms Kelly, 30, said.

"He only got his medals awarded 30 years after (serving), two years ago."

For her, the day is one of deep personal remembrance and recognition of the broader
sacrifice Australia made.

"It makes you more aware every year," she said.

"When you're a lot younger you tend to take it for granted.

"Having a father who served in one of the campaigns, it makes you realise how lucky
you are and how much we should pay tribute to these people."

Up to 15,000 people attended today's dawn service at the Martin Place Cenotaph.

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KEYWORD: ANZAC SERVICE NSW LEAD

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