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This sermon is not part of a Sermon Series and stands alone.
| Psalm 46 | Mike McNamara |
ANZAC Centenary and Commemoration
Today we honour and commemorate all who have served in wars over the last hundred years including World War I (1914-1918), World War II (1939-1945), Korea (1950-1953), Malaya (1950-1960), Vietnam (1962-1975), Indonesia (1963-66), Gulf War (1990-1991), Afghanistan (2001-present) and Iraq (2003-2009; 2014-present). We also honour those who have served as peacekeepers (1947-present).
On April 25 1915 the ANZACs (The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) took part in the fateful landings at Gallipoli. The following year was the first time April 25 was marked as a day of commemoration. After WW I General Sir John Monash worked hard to ensure April 25 was recognized nation-wide as a day to honour those who had served in WW I. In recent years the significance of the day has grown and has motivated many people to pay their respects by visiting the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey.
The centenary commemoration of the Gallipoli landings has given us the opportunity to honour all who have served in battle. We recognize in modern, multi-cultural Australia there are people from many countries, some of whom have been combatants in the past. While thanking God for those who have fought to protect our freedoms, as Christians we continue to pray for peace and reconciliation among all peoples.
We welcome all visitors to today’s services. We thank those who have brought memorabilia. Please take the chance after the services to talk and share stories.
Rev Peter MacPherson, Senior Minister.