ANZAC day, the 25th April, is one of the most solemn days in #Australia, commemorating the first great battle Australia took part in as a nation - the storming of the beach in what is now known as "ANZAC Cove", Türkiye on April 25, 1915 as part of #WWI. #ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the name for the joint force of the two young nations, forever joined in solidarity and mateship.
@CoinOfNote@histodons@numismatics ANZAC day marks the first time that Australian and New Zealand soldiers died fighting in a war that in no way threatened our countries, in aid of an imperial power who threw away our soldiers' lives because of incompetence.
@Ooze@histodons@numismatics indeed, although the descendents of all WW1 soldiers, from all sides, could all "why?". What we really remember, is the bravery of those from New Zealand and Australia, who stepped up for the ideal of country (and yes, empire) and perhaps even more because it wasn't directly self defence of their country being invaded. Many would fight if their country was invaded. Fewer would fight for ideals (misguided or not)
@Ooze@histodons@numismatics indeed, the Gallipoli campaign, as an allied military campaign was a disaster and all the sadder for that. That itself SHOULD be enough lesson to not glorify war (it isn't, we know that)
We also need to not repeat the mistakes of the Vietnam war. The way those soldiers were treated when they returned was appalling, because people were against that war. Soldiers generally join for altruistic reasons, but then get sent where the govt decree
@CoinOfNote@histodons@numismatics Your point is valid for those who were drafted and sent to Vietnam. Those who volunteer for the military at any time knowingly surrender their morals to those they are thus sworn to obey.
While it is true that, since the Nuremberg principles, soldiers are alleged to be able to refuse an immoral order, the likelihood of being shot should one chose to do so means the only sure way to not be forced to act against one's morals is not to enlist at all.
@Ooze@histodons@numismatics I don't think anyone signs up believing they will be asked to do anything which is against their morals - whether they are signing up to fight in a specific, current conflict or not. In any case, If you're against a particular conflict, argue or protest it with the government of the day. They are the ones who decide where the military are deployed, not individual soldiers. Just as if you don't like Coles policies, argue it with management, not the checkout staff
Add comment