Anzac Day - 25th April - Field of Lights, Albany

On 25 April, in Australia and New Zealand, at war memorials in small towns and big cities, on the shores of Gallipoli and in France, and places all over the world where Australians and New Zealanders gather we commemorate Anzac Day.  This day was chosen to remember our war dead as it was the day that the Allied forces landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, Turkey, 25 April, 1915. 

 The nine-month campaign resulted in the death of more than 133,400 troops -  47,400 allied troops and 86,000 Ottoman soldiers. This total included 8,700 Australians, and 2,700 New Zealanders, 2700 British Empire (other than Aust & NZ), 9000 French and French colonial troops.  Aust Dept of Veteran Affairs

I've blogged about Anzac Day before, and how on this day in particular I remember my Great-Uncle Norman Clayden who died at Gallipoli on 27 April 1915 (aged 19 - no known grave), and my husband's uncle Richard Ramsden who died in a prisoner of war camp in Myanmar (Burma) on 29th October 1943 in World War 2.  (aged 23 - buried at
Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Myanma)

Australian War Memorial, Canberra

Over 100 thousand Australians have died in conflicts since the Boer War.  In the light of recent tragedies, bombings, shootings, on the streets and in churches and places of worship around the world and the fighting between religious sects, I feel this message even more..... please God...that the sacrifices have not been in vain. 

However, I fear we have not learnt from the death and destruction of the past. I don't understand why we can't live in peace. Why we can't accept each others differences in race and religion. We all make up the wonderful diverse fabric of the world. We should celebrate and embrace this diversity instead of trying to stamp out our rights to freedom of thought and action.  Isn't this freedom what they fought for? Doesn't every race have the right to this freedom?

In February we had the opportunity to see "The Field of Lights" Avenue of Honour on Mt Clarence in Albany on Western Australia's south coast. This art installation, created with 16,000 lights by Bruce Munro pays homage to the 41,000 troops who departed from Albany on their way to World War 1. For some Albany would be their last view of Australia.

My photos can't possibly give you the feeling of walking along the avenue and viewing the lights which have been placed between the trees leading up to Albany's war memorial.  It really is a moving experience. An audio helps tell the story. 

Bruce has installed other lights displays around the world. You can hear Bruce talk about the Albany project by clicking here and then scroll down to the video - Field of Light - About the Project

Even during the day the field was moving to see. The avenue of trees was planted in 1955-56. There are plaques for locals who have died in military conflicts or as a result of conflicts.

Also on Mt Clarence you can visit the National Anzac Centre. It is well worth a visit - allow several hours.  The centre and the lookout you see in the images below overlooks the harbour from where the ships departed.

For more information:
Field of Light, Albany
National Anzac Centre, Albany
Gallipoli and the Anzacs - Department of Veteran Affairs, Australia

At the Dawn Service on Anzac Day I will remember them, and pray for peace. 

You might also like to visit my previous posts with more of the story:
 Anzac Day - we will remember them
25th April - Anzac Day - when we remember them
Anzac Day 25th April 
25 April - Anzac Day - We will remember them

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