Gallipoli

Today is Anzac Day in New Zealand & Australia, a day commemorated on behalf of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Armed Corps) troops who fell in the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915. The Battle of Gallipoli was fought in World War 1 when Allied forces tried to move their way in through the Dardanelles & take Istanbul (& what was left of the Ottoman Empire). Turkish forces managed to hold Allied forces off, but at a terrible cost on both sides. I believe almost 350,000 lost their lives. Our family drove to the Gallipoli Peninsula last weekend during the kids Spring Break and spent a sobering day exploring the battle site. Even remembering the day brings a lump to my throat. Despite the tumult and contention that still exists across the globe, we live far removed from these kind of warring times. I am grateful for the sacrifices made by so many...we must not forget them..."Their name liveth forever more."

Lone Pine Cemetary

Jake

Mia, Ryan, Thys

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Private Clues, age 17

All attending

A view of the Aegean from the battlefield

Exploring the trenches

Josie

"Heroes who 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 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." Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, 1933