This week marks 100 years since the ANZAC's first major military action during World War I. It will be a time of reflection as we remember the sacrifices of so many servicemen and women across the last century.
The spirit of the ANZACs lives on in all of us with their courage, hard toil and mateship to be commemorated across Australia and New Zealand as we vow never to forget.
It’s a day that means a lot to many of Australia's professional rugby players so we gave them the chance to reveal their thoughts ahead of this Saturday's ANZAC Centenary.
Jeremy Tilse – NSW Waratahs
“For me, Anzac Day is about reflecting on the reality of war. Remembering family members, like my Great Grandfather, Victor Lindsay, and what these men and women fought for, the supreme sacrifice that they made to put their country before themselves. I cannot even imagine what they went through. I reflect on how lucky we are today to have choices and live free unlike many others.”
Mollie Gray – National Women’s Sevens
“To me ANZAC day is a day of remembrance. A day to remember all the brave men and women who fought for our country and the sacrifices they made for our freedom. It’s a day to remember that their courage and bravery has given us our today. It's a day to honour all that have served and are currently serving our nation. I'm proud to be an Australian, I’m proud to have served my country overseas on operations, and I'm proud to be a Corporal in the Australian Army.”
Ben Alexander – Brumbies
“Anzac Day to me is about remembering the great sacrifice those young Australian's (and Kiwis) made all those years ago. The dawn service at the National War Memorial is a very moving experience and a way I like to pay my respect to that sacrifice.”
Matt Hodgson – Western Force
“ANZAC day is the day that we consciously pause to acknowledge the past and present contributions of our defence forces. Australia & New Zealand have a history of coming to the aid of our allies to fight for causes and ideologies that we as a nation believe in. In my mind the ANZAC spirit represents the pinnacle of mateship in our countries. Standing side-by-side with people from around the world, fighting for a common cause until a job is done.
The essence of the ANZAC spirit is reflected in the game that we love. We go into "battle" with our allies / team mates - Australians, New Zealanders, Zimbabweans, South Africans, Tongans, Fijians and Japanese - all united by our common efforts and goals. Mateship allows us to go harder and for longer than we think is possible. We put our bodies on the line for each other on the field and have faith that our team mates will be there when the chips are down.
The quality of life and the freedom that we enjoy here, and in New Zealand, is only possible due to the contribution of every member of the armed forces. They do a job that many of us cannot imagine choosing. And yet without them, the freedom to choose wouldn't be available.
On ANZAC Day it is a day to be thankful and to remember that the life that we live is thanks to those who give the ultimate service to our countries.”
Beau Robinson – Queensland Reds
“Anzac Day for me means a hell of a lot. It’s a way to pay respect to those men and women who fought and served for this country and we were willing to give their lives for this country and it’s people. It’s a way to commemorate those who made it back and those who didn’t. Both my grandfathers served, one in Africa and the Middle East, and the other was based in Darwin. My Grandma was also a nurse in the RAAF. I have a pretty big connection there with family and relatives serving, which is why it means so much to me.”
Nic Stirzaker – Melbourne Rebels
“ANZAC Day is an opportunity for us all to honour Australia's military history and our veterans, who so deserve our admiration and gratitude. It is a chance to celebrate and be thankful for the great country that we live in."
This year, Super Rugby players will be involved in a line-up of commemorations across the ANZAC Day weekend, starting with two trans-Tasman battles, the Chiefs versus the Western Force in New Zealand followed by the Brumbies hosting the Highlanders on Friday 24 April. Brumbies players will wear a special edition jersey to commemorate the ANZAC Day centenary, with a percentage of the jersey sales to go to Soldier On, an organisation who support physically and psychologically wounded Defence Force personnel.
In the evening on Anzac Day the NSW Waratahs will face the Melbourne Rebels at ANZ Stadium, with free entry for all past and current Australian Defence Force personnel. In addition, a percentage of each ticket sold will be donated to Legacy Australia, who provide services to Australian families suffering after the incapacitation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their Defence Force service.
The Queensland Reds take on the Hurricanes in an afternoon match on Sunday 26 April. A pre-game parade will be led down Caxton Street to Suncorp Stadium by the 7th Brigade Marching Band and Mounted Horses, featuring Reds members who have served or had family who have served in the Armed Forces. The Reds are currently seeking relatives of Queensland players who served to be guests at the match.
Each game across the ANZAC Day round will feature unique ceremonies to commemorate the ANZACs, including the Ode, Last Post, one minute silence and revelry as well as performances by Armed Services Bands.
Rugby supporters across the country are encouraged to support the players at the games to celebrate the ANZAC Centenary and to assist organisations who provide crucial support to past and present Australian Defence Force members and their families.
