On 25th April, thousands of people gathered before sunrise in the Auckland Domain to commemorate the 100-year Anniversary of ANZAC Day. In fact, many commemorative services were organized nationwide for the public holiday. This day marks the Centennial of the first commemoration of the ANZAC Day landings on the coast of Gallipoli, to join with the allied forces of the British Empire to attempt to overpower Turkey and bring hostilities to a rapid close in World War 1. These ANZAC commemorations recognise all the efforts of NZ service men and women to uphold freedom and democracy and epitomize many of the values and aspirations of New Zealanders in contributing to a peaceful global community.
The Universal Peace Federation New Zealand invited Ambassadors for Peace and Peace Federation members to a Breakfast Meeting after the dawn service. More than 30 people gathered to share reflections on the significance of the national commemoration, which is growing in numbers every year, including many young people, despite the early hour.
Mr. Geoffrey Fyers, Secretary General of New Zealand UPF welcomed the audience with a talk about his family’s involvement of the past world wars. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Geoffrey Prentice, Chairman of UPF and History teacher.
Mr. Prentice discussed a widely held view of historians both in Australia and NZ, that the 8 month campaign in Gallipoli, where the ANZACs first fought together, was a watershed in forging a more independent identity for the colonies.
Many young men anxious for adventure experienced the futile carnage of a failed campaign, which was mostly due to inept leadership, and suffered, along with other colonials, a sense of discrimination.
Parallels were also drawn with the British colonisation in India when insensitivity over religious practices precipitated a sepoy (Indian mercenary soldiers) revolt. Seeds of modern anti-Western sentiment were sown in madrassas, which are bearing fruit in the modern era. The audience was reminded of Father Moon’s teaching of reconciliation through understanding of the Cain-Abel principle.
Mr. Elijah Deane, AFP, commented after the presentation that New Zealand has a special identity and tradition of unification since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Queen Victoria and Maori Chiefs.
This bicultural heritage coupled with an egalitarian pioneering mentality produces a tolerant yet outwardly looking society.
The last presentation was a report by Mrs. Ruth Clever, President of Auckland Inter-Faith Council, who attended the inaugural event of the Religious Diversity Centre held in the Parliament Buildings in Wellington on 30th March. This new forum for promoting understanding among the increasingly diverse religions and ethnicities represented in New Zealand was formally launched by its patron, Helen Clark, United Nations Development Programme chief and former prime minister of New Zealand. Mrs Cleaver pointed out that news media had an unusually intense interest because Helen Clark is also involved in running for the top UN position of Secretary General.
The event was concluded by a confirmation that UPF-NZ has a vital role to continue playing in building understanding and unity as our society becomes more diverse.
– Photos courtesy of Barry Noel; Written by Kenji Watanabe, Geoffrey Prentice and Geoffrey Fyers