KEY POINTS:
In the evenings leading up to today's Anzac Day services, thousands have made the effort to view a rare film, Heroes of Gallipoli, as it was projected on to the front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It is the only known footage of the ill-fated campaign, and was restored by Peter Jackson. His act of reverence and respect drew unexpectedly large audiences, confirming, if, indeed, this was required, that the passing years have merely sharpened the regard for, and interest in, the duty and sacrifice of those who served New Zealand in the conflicts of the last century. That momentum will see increasing numbers of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those service men and women attending parades and services today throughout the country and at Gallipoli.
The commemoration in Turkey is, of course, the most poignant of all. Thousands of young New Zealanders and Australians travel there every April 25 to tread the ground where the Anzac tradition was born. Thousands of others at dawn services around New Zealand are inspired to contemplate the same journey. Unsurprisingly, therefore, the only jarring note this year has been the suggestion of an Australian academic that commemorations at Gallipoli should be scaled back and greater emphasis placed on homegrown New Zealand and Australian events.
Associate Professor Anne-Marie Hede has conceded that her comments could be seen as "unpatriotic" or "blasphemous". Nonetheless, it is possible, to at least some degree, to see how she arrived at them. Since 2005, when roads were widened to allow an estimated 25,000 people to attend the services at Anzac Cove, the event has risked sinking under its own weight. The sheer number of people has wrought questionable changes, with the introduction of the likes of seating, lighting and big screens. Equally, there have been instances of disrespectful behaviour and excessive drinking by a small number of ignorant people who were unable to summon the required dignity. Some politicians, suffering from a similar malady, have tried to cater to this group by suggesting an entertainment-style Gallipoli experience, complete with modern music.
Fortunately, such nonsensical ideas have now sunk from sight. The tone at Gallipoli shows signs of becoming much more acceptable to the vast majority of young people, who go there to be emotionally enriched. Many go to much trouble to be there and they should be admired for their initiative. It may be that some would find it even more meaningful to go when there are no crowds, say, on August 7, the anniversary of Chunuk Bair's capture by the Wellington Battalion, the crowning achievement of the campaign. But to deny some opportunity to visit on April 25 by scaling back attendance numbers, as Professor Hede seems to be saying, would be to snap a cord that has particular relevance for the nation's youth.
Already, in fact, greater attention is being paid to the commemorations in this country. Anzac Day is evolving constantly. The Auckland War Memorial Museum's week of activities has included lectures, discussions and movies catering for the increased interest in Gallipoli, the desire to reflect on the sacrifice and sense of duty of this country's war veterans, and contemplation of wider issues. For many, the values that these veterans demonstrated in times of adversity is of particular interest. For most of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose presence is part of that evolution, the sentiment is more straightforward. It is enough for them to march proudly with the medals of their forebears pinned to their chests. Their pride is shared by the nation.
