ANZAC DAY - LEST WE FORGET

On April 25, 1915, the Anzacs landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula and carved a special place in our history. Today is the 90th Anniversay.

Last nights Compass program was brilliant and reminded me of Atatürk's incredible generosity of spirit.

Here are the words of Atatürk's speech to the first Australians and New Zealanders to return to Gallipoli in 1934, words now on the monument to the dead of the battlefield.

Those heroes that shed their blood
And lost their lives...
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly Country.
Therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies
And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side
Here in this country of ours...
You, the mothers,
Who sent their sons from far away countries
Wipe away your tears,
Your sons are now lying in our bosom
And are in peace
After having lost their lives on this land
They have become our sons as well

My own personal story about Turkish-Australian relations, came about in my first German class in Hannover. There were several Turkish people in the class and when we first had to introduce ourselves in incredibly basic and stammering German - I uttered "Ich bin Australierin" or something like that - and a Turkish guy whose name I've now sadly forgotten, jumped up and started saying in broken English "Australian very good people, best people in world, ANZAC, you ANZAC.....". It completely touched my heart, and was the first time I'd ever thought about the war from their perspective. Germany, and particularly Hannover has a huge amount of Turks - which really gives a funky edge to German life. And of course whilst speaking of Turks - huge hello to Dilek!!

Let us remember all men and women who have fought, died, and lived through all wars past and present.

But PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE:
BRING HOME OUR TROOPS - NO MORE WARS!!!!