Tag Archives: Anzac legend

Anzac Day and the coronavirus

Marrickville Peace Park

Due to the coronavirus, no public gatherings to commemorate Anzac Day will be held around the country this year. This has also resulted in the cancellation of the alternative Anzac Day Reflection which was scheduled to take place at the Marrickville Peace Park in Sydney.

This circumstance, however, opens up an opportunity for the Australian community to move away from Anzac Day ceremonies that have become so commercialised and politicised in recent decades.

In particular, it offers the opportunity for people, young and old, to critically reflect upon the Anzac legend and the historical distortions that this myth entails.

Continue reading Anzac Day and the coronavirus

Anzac Day Reflective Gathering – 25 April 2017

Marrickville Peace Park Signage

During an Anzac Day address in 2013, the former Governor of Tasmania, the Hon. Peter Underwood AC, emphasised the following: “All our remembrances and honours are meaningless, unless we also vow to become resolute about peace because that is what those whom we remember and honour on this special day thought they were dying for.”1

In keeping with this memorable statement, an Anzac Day Reflection was held in Richardson’s Lookout – Marrickville Peace Park on Tuesday 25 April from 10.30am to 11.30am.

The event was organised by Gallipoli Centenary Peace Campaign (GCPC) and attracted 17 people from a range of groups, ages and backgrounds. Continue reading Anzac Day Reflective Gathering – 25 April 2017

Anzac Day Reflection 2016

Tree Planting Anzac Day 2016An Anzac Day Reflection was held at Richardson’s Lookout – Marrickville Peace Park on Monday April 25 between 10.00am and 11.00am.

Organised by GCPC, this ‘Hour of Reflection’ attracted over 65 people. Unlike official Anzac Day commemorations, it offered participants an opportunity to reflect on all victims of war including:

  • Those who died in battle;
  • Those who were maimed physically and/or psychologically;
  • Those who suffered on the home front;
  • Those who opposed conscription and war.

Continue reading Anzac Day Reflection 2016