They 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.
This stanza from Laurence Binyon’s “For the Fallen” finds its way into our hearts and minds yearly as we commemorate ANZAC Day. While it originally honoured those who fell in the Battle of Gallipoli, this day has since become a day of remembrance for all those lost in war and a reminder that we should strive for peace above all else. For 15 years now, I have documented the ceremonies held by the Korean and New Zealand governments here in Korea. This year was perhaps the most profound of all of them.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. While the ceremonies remained vastly similar, there was a certain weight to be felt as those veterans who remain with us are now well into their years. It was an honour to meet and thank the men who had fought so far from home so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have now.
Korea, the Miracle on the Han, is a country that has risen from the ashes of war to become a powerhouse in the world’s technology and popular culture spheres. But, far from the platitudes and overall economic development are the deeply human stories that made it all possible. The young men who were called to defend the lives of those they knew nothing about are the focus of these ceremonies.
Each year, the veterans are recognised and the fallen are honoured by both their respective nations and also the Korean government at several ceremonies. The first of these is the Commonwealth Ceremony at Gapyeong. This commemorates the Commonwealth contribution to the war and is attended by Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This year, the ceremony culminated in a flyover by Korea’s Black Eagles.
The next ceremony is held more privately with only Australia and New Zealand in attendance. Memorials specifically for the ANZAC nations are a short drive out of Gapyeong town and are set nearby some pivotal areas from the war. This ceremony is held not only to thank the veterans more personally, but also to continue support with scholarships awarded to students from Gapyeong county by both nations.
Finally, Australia, New Zealand, and Turkiye, along with representatives from the Korean government gather on April 25th for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Each year in Seoul, this is held with the cooperation of the Korean War Memorial and gives us a moment to reflect on all wars past in a meaningful space. Of course, as tradition dictates, there are ANZAC biscuits and coffee with rum to follow the ceremony.
