2013 ANZAC Message from N.Z. Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae
On the 25th of April we mark ANZAC Day. As the first light breaks, we remember a pivotal day in our nation’s history when New Zealanders landed at Gallipoli in 1915 as part of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The Anzacs showed courage, comradeship and compassion and distinguished themselves as soldiers.
We remember our close comrades, the Australians. Sharing ANZAC Dy means we look across the Tasman in a spirit of mateship and shares sacrifice, just as our soldiers did almost a century ago. And we remember also the Turks, our respected enemy.Next year will see the start of centenary commemorations to mark the First World War. While we may re-evaluate the meaning of the war for us today, we will always remember the men and women who have served New Zealand.
As we gather at our commemorative events and hear the Last Post played, we recall those who made the supreme sacrifice and recommit ourselves to the solemn pledge to never forget their service and to always remember them.
ANZAC Day: Oath of RemembranceThey shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget
Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is nigh.
In Flanders FieldsBy Lieutenant Colonel John McRae MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Two-Up: ANZAC Day Tradition
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game, involving a designated ‘Spinner’ throwing two or three coins into the air. Players gamble on whether the coins will fall with both (obverse) heads up, both (reverse) tails up, or with one coin a head, and one a tail (known as ‘Odds’). It is traditionally played on ANZAC Day in pubs and clubs throughout Australia, in part to mark a shared experience with Diggers through the ages.
History Making: Swans & Saints Clash in Wellington
1st Ever AFL Premiership Points Game Played Outside Australia
On April 25 2013, the St Kilda Football Club will become the first AFL Club to play for AFL Premiership points outside of Australia when it takes on the Sydney Swans.
In a history making agreement between St Kilda FC, the AFL and Wellington City Council, the Saints will play in New Zealand on ANZAC Day in 2013, as part of a longer term commitment to play further home matches in Wellington.
St Kilda FC, a foundation Club of the AFL, will celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2013 and this ground breaking game demonstrates the Saints commitment to being at the forefront of developing the sport internationally.
AFL is a fast paced, high scoring contact sport requiring a large amount of skill, which will certainly appeal to all New Zealanders.
Anzac Day, April 25th 2013
ANZAC Day is historically and culturally significant to both countries and it seems appropriate to hold the first ever AFL match in New Zealand on this day.
The game will be played at Wellington’s world-class Westpac Stadium at 7.40PM local time and will be broadcast live into Australia against the Sydney Swans at 7.40PM Australian eastern standard time.
Australians and New Zealanders share a passion for sport and have a healthy Trans-Tasman rivalry, particularly when it comes to rugby union, rugby league and cricket.
Introduction to AFL
AFL 