Today was a very emotional visiting the Gallipoli peninsula. In Turkish it's called Gelibolu. We began the journey in a small motor launch and saw Anzac Cove from the perspective of the diggers nearly 100 years ago. From the water it was very peace. The beach areas are not large, the water is very clear and only a few meters deep. Towering craggy cliffs and ridges are the backdrop. You ask yourself the question, how did those young men brave this landing?
This was the little boat we approach Anzac Cove Ubunt
Looking straight onto Anzac Cove as we approached head on.
We were fortunate enough to be the only group there this morning. I wandered the graves, determined to read each headstone. Most we're similar - name, regiment, rank, death date and perhaps a loving message. To say it was sombre is an understatement. I however stopped when I found a headstone that added something extra - the soldier's home town. W.bJ. Harris came from Waverley. All I could think was that this 20 year old had a loving mum an dad in Waverley that he never managed to return to. I shed more than a tear there. Further I found another digger who died at 18 years - just 6 months older than my own son.
We prayed and sang the Eric Bogle song, "And the band played waltzing Matilda" I managed the every verse but when it came to singing Waltzing Matilda at the end, my throat was in my mouth and I could hardly keep it together. A very emotional memorable visit and one that I'll flash back to every ANZAC day.
We celebrated mass at the Lone Pine chapel.
We also visited the Ataturk memorial. What incredible words and sentiment Ataturk had. These words have even greater depth when we consider that for the Mehmets, we were the invaders of their country. They were defending their country, their family, their lives.
"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours... You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."
And finally we had some free time around the township of Cannakale.
