The 2014 Anzac Day poster honours our contemporary personnel in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who are completing their service in Afghanistan, and links their contribution with that of the first Anzacs. The four words on the poster help us to focus on the purpose of Anzac Day.
Department of Defence 20130425adf8270845_109
Department of Defence 20130423adf8164101_008
Wartime snapshot
The 'Bullecourt Digger' stands in the Australian Memorial Park in France. It looks over the fields of Bullecourt where in April and May 1917 some 10,000 members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) were killed or wounded, trying to break into and hold part of the Hindenburg Line. It stands as a reminder of the bravery and tenacity of the Australians who fought in France during the First World War. We see these qualities reflected in our troops today, who continue the traditions of those who have served before them.
The background image shows members of the ADF taking part in an Anzac Day commemoration at Tarin Kot, Afghanistan. Australia's role in Afghanistan began in October 2001 when coalition forces, under American leadership, invaded Afghanistan and removed the ruling Taliban regime. Australian Special Air Service (SAS) squadrons took part in operations in the mountainous areas south of Kabul, carrying out reconnaissance and surveillance. ADF personnel have been praised for their capabilities and professionalism.
The decision to withdraw Australian troops from Afghanistan was announced in March 2013. In 2014, approximately 400 ADF personnel will continue training and advising the Afghan National Security Forces in Kabul and Kandahar. Australia will also supply instructors, advisors and support staff to the British-led Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Kabul.
Some 300 Australians have been killed or wounded serving on operational deployments to Afghanistan. Commemorating Anzac Day allows Australians to honour the service of Australia's veterans; remember the sacrifice of the fallen; thank those who have returned; and renew our bonds of community and our understanding of the Anzac traditions of courage and comradeship. This poster provides a comparison between the contemporary soldier and the first Anzacs. It also prompts us to think about how service may have changed in the years between the First World War and today.
References
- Peter Burness, Australians on the Western Front - 1917 Bapaume and Bullecourt, Department of Veterans' Affairs publication, 2008.
- Australians on the Western Front, Department of Veterans' Affairs series, 2006 – 2008.
- Their Spirit, Our History, Department of Veterans' Affairs and Australian War Memorial publication, 2007.
