PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With the smell of rosemary and biscuits in the air, approximately 75 U.S. and Australian service members commemorated Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day during a 5:30 a.m. Dawn Service at The Club, April 25, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
On April 25, every year, Australia and New Zealand service members and citizens around the world commemorate not only their entrance into World War One, but also serves as a remembrance ceremony for all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice during all conflicts.
The tradition stems back to April 25, 1915, when before dawn, approximately 70,000 Australian and New Zealand Army Corps along with Allied troops attempted to capture the Gallipoli peninsula, or now known as Western Turkey, from the Ottoman Empire. Although the operation was a military defeat, it was their first war time operation as an independent nation.
"Gallipoli is held in high regard as, despite it being a military failure, it is widely acknowledged, by both their British Commanders and the Turks, that the Australian and New Zealand forces fought fiercely, effectively, and with distinction," said Australian Army Lt. Col. Simon McDonald, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command satellite communications operations officer.
"They were recognized and acknowledged by their new nationality - as Australian and New Zealander soldiers - rather than simply as soldiers from British colonies, and established a distinct national identity."
On the first day of the operation, approximately 3,000 ANZACs died or were wounded, said McDonald. On April 25, the following year, unofficial dawn services began to remember the fallen at Gallipoli.
"The Gallipoli campaign was a tremendous war effort and the great ANZAC spirit that started there is inspiring to see in today's generations," said U.S. Army Col. Tim Lawson, USASMDC/ARSTRAT deputy commander for support. "We can be proud and pleased that our three nations are brought together in friendship and mutual interest as primary factors. As a result, we have become allies and partners in many things on the global stage and I am grateful to be a part of that community alongside the ANZAC nations."
On April 25, 2017, at The Club before the ceremony, the attendees pinned on a sprig of rosemary to their collars to remember those lost and wounded during ANZAC Day. Rosemary can be found growing all over the peninsula where the attempted invasion occurred.
Along with the rosemary sprigs, the attendees experienced the traditional biscuits, readings about the ANZAC history and the importance of international relations, and the laying of the wreaths. The Ode and In Flanders Fields were also recited, followed by the Last Post, moments of silence to remember the fallen and National Anthems.
"I'm extremely appreciative for the invite to attend the ANZAC Day's dawn service. It is an honor to stand together with our allied partners to remember all those who have fallen in global efforts to promote and protect human rights, peace and security," said U.S. Air Force Col. Eric Dorminey, 21st Space Wing vice commander.
"The 21st Space Wing has an extended history of serving alongside Australian and New Zealand armed forces and we look forward to expanding our relationship with the implementation of the C-band radar and space surveillance telescope there."
Australian, New Zealand and U.S. forces have fought side by side in major conflicts since 1918 at the Battle of Hamel and will celebrate 100 years of mateship next year, 2018.
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