ANZAC DAY

In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, under a plan by Winston Churchill to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish Army. What had been planned as a bold strike to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stale-mate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers died. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home.

As a result, one day in the year has involved the two nations of Australia and New Zealand in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride for all our men and women who have fought and died in all wars. That day is ANZAC Day - 25 April.

Every nation must, sooner or later, come for the first time to a supreme test of quality; and the result of that test will hearten or dishearten those who come afterwards. For the fledgling nation of Australia, that first supreme test was at Gallipoli.

Anzac Day is a solemn celebration that honours the past, explains the present and provides hope for the future. This year, Australians mark mark the 94th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and still our troops are serving in at least seven overseas operations. The largest group is in Afghanistan where last month the 10th Australian soldier fell, his sacrifice and those of his mates reminds us all of the true cost of serving this country and the true meaning of Anzac Day.

In the past ten years, the pilgrimage to Gallipoli became and continues to be today a rite of passage for thousands of Australian backpackers. Now the Kokoda Trail in PNG has joined the trip to Turkey as a popular destination. Additionally, our Veterans' Affairs Minister, Alan Griffin, has just announced a $10 million Anzac Trail on the Western Front, to Villers-Bretonneux, Ypers, Pozieres, Fromelles and Bullecourt. With luck and some planning, my trip to France in July will allow me to go there.