In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, which was an ally of Germany during the war. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Army. What had been planned as a bold strike to knock the Ottomans out of the war quickly became a stalemate, 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. The Allied deaths totalled over 56,000, including 8,709 from Australia and 2,721 from New Zealand. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
In SL ANZAC Day was commemorated with a 6 hour concert organised by Colour Of Whispers owner Whisp Ampan and held in a replica of The Australian War Memorial that is in our capital, Canberra. This stunning build was created by Pyrite Destiny who first started the concerts years ago and then handed the baton to Whisp who welcomes anyone who wishes to collaborate on the event each year and keep this amazing SL tradition going for many more years to come.
The Last Post and Rouse
SilverLight
Rebecca and The Kiwis
DownUnder
Lakey Bravin
Holly Giles
A message from Whisp
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"This is a legacy first created by Pyrite Destiny. Not only did she build the replica, it was she who first began these ANZAC Day concerts. She passed the baton to me and I support others who wish to collaborate on the event each year. I was so overjoyed at the spirt and generosity. It is a very special event that has run for many years and I hope it will for many more!! There are many to thank and I wish to express my deep gratitude to the following:
Firstly the performers who so willingly agreed to donate their time, tips and talents to the event: Silver Light DownUnder and the Downettes Rebecca Lakey Bravin Holly Giles Their contribution is vital!! Holly you were truly amazing on how you drove up the donations and your generosity in your own. To the wonderful venues who so enthusiastically said, Yes I can help! Spirit of the Outback The Woolshed Rainbow Painters E.O.N (Expressions of Novy) To the gorgeous hosts: Val Vega Pulver Timo Dumpling Spiker Upshaw Tayla Lorakeet To Kelly Novy for taking the pics as a permanent record. Scuzzi Jetcity for standing so respectful as a Soldier on the stage for 6 hours"
Lest We Forget