‘They have become our sons as well’
‘They have become our sons as well’
April 17, 2008
Section: News
“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ... you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace.
“There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ...
“You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.
“After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”
Ataturk, 1934
These words attributed to the founder of the Turkish republic and its first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, are inscribed on a memorial at ANZAC Cove.
A special ceremony honouring this pledge of friendship to the ANZACs will be held this Saturday, April 19, at the Port Kembla RSL Club.
Terry Wetherall, the Chair of Friendship for Life said since its inception in 2005, the ceremony had a unique way of building understanding and tolerance of cultural differences whilst preserving Australian history.
“The pledge to the ANZACs has equal importance to anyone from around the world, as it does to the men and women who call themselves Johnnies or Mehmets,” Mr Wetherall said.
“The Friendship for Life ceremony encourages peace and harmony, but just as importantly it encourages empathy and respect for the individual regardless of ethnicity or ideology.
“I hope Australians from all cultural backgrounds will come along to the ceremony and illustrate their support for a united humanity,” he said.
Representatives of the Returned Services League (RSL) including the State President and Australian Military will be joined at the ceremony by The Turkish Military Attaché, the Turkish Consul General Sydney as well as the President of the NSW Turkish RSL to pay tribute to the respected relationship between Australia and Turkey and our shared heritage.
The Federal Member for Throsby, Ms Jennie George MP will also be speaking at the ceremony.
“ANZAC Day is a nationally celebrated commemoration and is above any division that may exist in the community,” Ms George said.
“That is why Friendship for Life is so important.
“It is a wonderful way of helping different community groups interact positively by bringing them together in an act of not just respect, but of friendship.”
Ms George and the local RSL movement were instrumental in encouraging and supporting the planning of the first Friendship for Life ceremony in 2005.
As a result, discussions are well underway to introduce the Friendship for Life ceremony nationally over the coming years.
The ceremony, which includes both Muslim and Christian prayers in commemoration of the fallen, will commence at 10am and will include performances by the City of Wollongong Brass Band, the Wollongong Harmony Chorus as well as students from the Illawarra.
Further details on the ceremony are available from www.friendshipforlife.com.au.