Most nations celebrate stirring military victories as their national day or another important celebration. Australia is rare amongst the nations for celebrating a military defeat as its de facto national day.
On 25 April 1915, a toehold was made on the Gallipoli peninsula, due to the bravery, fortitude, and enthusiasm shown by raw ANZAC soldiers, many mere boys. After eight months, our troops withdrew, but the ANZAC legend had been born. The Aussie Digger had left an indelible impression on the world stage. Over the course of the next three years of war in France and Palestine, our troops came to be known, loved, respected, and feared by the enemy, for their fighting ability, competence, courage, fortitude, sense of humour, and basic decency. They beat the best the German army and the Turks could throw at them, and contributed significantly to victory on the Western Front and in the Middle East.
The Digger legend and high level of military skill continued in World War II, and later in Korea, Vietnam, and the other conflicts Australia has been involved in since then. Our soldiers have beaten the best the Nazis, Imperial Japanese, Chinese Communists, and others have thrown at us. Our army, though small, has been regarded, from about 1916 to the present day, as being individually better than those of our larger British and American allies. The French, Italian, Greek, and Vietnamese people, all of whom have had significant experience with our soldiers, regarded them with respect and often affection for their easy-going nature, bravery, and basic decency.
That’s some legend for future generations to live up to!
A lot of people I speak to doubt if the current generation of young Australians is up to it.
After all, Australians under 35 have never experienced a recession, let alone a depression, and virtually none of them have been affected by war. They have more likely than not been indoctrinated in schools and universities to loathe rather than love this great country of ours. They are not as physically active a generation as their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, and seem more self-centred and less willing to get involved with their community than previous generations.
However, I don’t subscribe to the view that they are not up to it. Over the years, I have been involved with numerous young Australians, and most of them are highly competent, impressive individuals. The above characteristics are skin deep only. Should push come to shove, I am confident young Australians will do their bit and (after some intensive physical training, as they are generally less physical and softer than previous generations) will ably follow the footsteps of their forebears.
Despite the wokeness enveloping this country, you can’t beat the basic need for people to belong. It’s basic human nature to love the country you live in, and most people of whatever age would put their body on the line in its defence. The spirit of Anzac is alive and well in our youth.
