Anzac Day is one of the most important dates in the calendar. It’s a time to remember the lives lost and sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War. Since then, it’s become an opportunity to honour all those who have served in subsequent conflicts both here and abroad.
It’s also a time to reflect on our role as peacemakers, says Archbishop Peter A Comensoli in a video message for this year’s Anzac Day. While acknowledging that conflict can and does occur, he reminds us of the need for ongoing dialogue and an intentional ‘yes’ towards peace and to work for what is good.
Transcript:
Friends, we come once again to Anzac Day, this very major and important commemoration for our nation, as we recall those who have given their lives and service for the defence of our country. This Anzac Day—every Anzac Day—is a commemoration not of the glory of war or of conflict, but of honour and towards sacrifice ... that sacrifice that has taken place particularly commemorating the moments that happened at Anzac Cove but [also] in terms of all those in our Australian context who have been involved in war and conflict. So those people who are military, but also civilian; of warriors and workers ... all to be commemorated this day by way of honour, not of glory.
On this Anzac Day particularly, I think there’s a purpose in saying ‘no’ to war, ‘no’ to a way of life that involves conflict, but also ‘no’ to injustice and hatred. And there we need to consider both the reality that sometimes conflict does happen, but that our intention, our work, our service, is towards peace.
So, on this commemoration of Anzac Day, let us say ‘yes’ to peace; for work towards what is good … to dialogue amongst peoples.
Lest we forget.
