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Sunday May 26, 2013

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From all lands on Earth we come, isn't that the point?

Posted by: Neil Mitchell | 22 November, 2012 - 10:04 AM
ANZACs at Gallipoli.

Have you ever heard so much nonsense? There is a campaign to honour specifically a section of the Australian Defence Force that fought and died at Gallipoli.

It comes from John Pandazopoulos, the Labor MP. He says there should be special recognition for people who served at Gallipoli and were born outside Australia.

He mentions six Greek-born soldiers. Well, why? What’s the point here?

There were Irish, English and all manner of people served there. They are honoured on ANZAC Day every year, regardless of where they were born.

Isn’t that the point? From all the lands on earth we come? And stand as one? That’s the Bruce Woodley line and he is right. To single out Greek-born soldier would be pointless, divisive and unnecessary.

Hasn’t this bloke got something else to do?

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Blog comments Your Say

  • I think Neil you miss the point. We should try to remember the reality of the Anzac's experience. Yes, they were Australians, and yes as the records show many of them came from other lands, including Greece, England, Scotland, Ireland, Malta and many other places. And they fought alongside soldiers from across the world, including Canada, France and Africa - and helped by Greek and Egyptian civilians to name only a few. Connecting with the individual stories and experience of the Anzacs - and the women who nursed them - can only make more and more Australians better appreciate and connect with the sacrifice of these fine men and women. John Simpson of the donkey fame died as an Australian, but remembering that he lived most of his life in his native Newcastle in England can only encourage more people to appreciate the Anzac story. John's argument is based on telling the reality of the Anzac story, not reducing it to some old stereotype. And I can't help but think that if we were able to talk to a digger in 1915 he'd agree with John.

    Jim Claven Friday 23 November, 2012 - 11:59 PM

  • Mr Mitchell, I am ex Australian Navy and from an ethnic background so I well understand what Mr Pandazopoulos is stating. Your miserable bias and your right wing nonsense is shameful to all who have fought for Australia from Gallipoli through to today. He said that we we should understand that many ANZACS were born overseas, that many Australians had joined with British and allied forces and that we should recognise our allies many of whose decendants call Australia home today. That they are proud to be Aussies and yet also have different cultural backgrounds. Mr Mitchell, we honour all Australians who served. I am secretary of a RSL sub branch and my members are mostly war veterans and war widows. A small number are Italian, one is Swedish... but all are now Australian and there is NOTHING wrong in recognising and paying respect to their cultural heritage. But then YOU never served, did you?

    Ange Kenos Friday 23 November, 2012 - 6:40 AM

  • It's funny how certain people are attacking the comments assuming that all Neil Mitchell has posted is true. Where is the exact source and context of this supposed story by Neil Mitchell?

    Don't believe everything you read sheeps!

    Robert Mercer Thursday 22 November, 2012 - 11:09 PM

  • jason, do you even live in Australia?

    garry Thursday 22 November, 2012 - 7:53 PM

  • Listened to this interview and could not for the like of me work out what the holy heck this bloke was on about. You're right Neil he just talked absolute nonsense.

    Dinki Di aussie Thursday 22 November, 2012 - 6:56 PM

  • Anzac day honours all our allies that is enough, leave things as they are there is allways someone trying to change our traditions>..

    Steve Thursday 22 November, 2012 - 2:02 PM

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