Until about 10 years ago I was not interested in ANZAC Day. Like many of my generation I took the view that it was a glorification of war. Something changed my attitude.
For the last 5 years I’ve marched in the ANZAC dawn parade with my mum, wearing the medals of her two older brothers (see below) who died during WW11 in their early 20s. I guess I’ve grown up a bit. It’s amazing watching how each year more and more younger people turn up to the ANZAC parade. I take that as a sign that the newer generation feels some responsibility for the future.
I do believe wars are avoidable. But I don’t hold responsible for war those who go and fight. And I believe symbols are so important.
The red poppy has become the recognisable symbol of ANZAC Day. The red, or Flanders poppy has been linked with battlefield deaths since WW1. It was the first to grow and bloom in the mud and soil of Flanders.
Madam Guerin and Moina Michael were responsible for making the poppy the international symbol of rememberance. They saw the potential for using the proceeds to help veterans and their families.
I want to tell you a story about a Dunedin artist who is on a quest to use the symbol of the poppy to transform an object of terror into a thing of beauty and perhaps life.
Stephen Mulqueen is a jeweller and sculpter. His poppies are crafted from the debris of war. I came across his work through an advert in the Listener about 3 years ago. Since then we’ve had various conversations.
What he produces is quite confronting, but also beautiful. He transforms a brass cartridge shell into a piece of wearable art. He makes poppies. Brass poppies. And he wants them to be made by veterans across the world and seen as a symbol of peace.
In his words;
As we move towards the centenary of the Great War (1914/18 – 2014/18) Poppies of War offers a very real connection to the collective memory of the human carnage that scarred so much of the world during the 20th century. The brass cartridge poppy lies at the heart of current social debate, and offers a space for reflection on the causes and consequences of war as people all over the globe continue to experience it daily.
…. a hybrid of the fragile poppy flower with a discarded metal fragment, a residue of war where ‘beauty meets terror’. The brass cartridge poppy resides in the tradition of mourning jewellery and spirit of the biblical text ‘turning swords into ploughshares’. It carries its own poetic resonance and is a signifier both for death and new life.
Whatever you think of Stephen Mulqueen’s work, his quest is admirable and worth supporting.
Lest we forget:
Private Gerald Howard, killed in action in Tunisia, North Africa, 25 April 1943 aged 22
Pilot Officer Alastair Howard shot down over Flanders, Germany 23 February 1945 aged 23
You arent the only ones, my father who served in the Merchant Marine never bothered either.
This is an interesting story about a family who never attended Anzac day ceremonies
http://www.theage.com.au/national/in-the-shadow-of-a-hero-20110424-1dt54.html
What about the negative symbolism of the familiar red poppy which used to be made by disabled workers in Christchurch but is now imported, after the RSA took the contract offshore? Each one of those poppies people now wear is a symbolic blow for disabled NZ workers.
Agreed Hilary, it is disgusting!
They were brave men who fought in those wars.
@Hilary – I too felt like you and had every intention of boycotting this annual campaign and told the person distributing the poppies outside Countdown in Westgate exactly what I thought of the decision by the RSA to take the contract offshore. The person explained that only part of the story had been published – the place in Christchurch which makes the poppies for the RSA had to turn the contract down as they had too much work on and couldn’t fulfil the contract for the RSA. I would very much like to get the full story about this contract – it would appear that someone isn’t telling the whole story. I accepted the distributor’s offer of a poppy, even though I didn’t have any cash in my wallet.
I agree that it’s heartening to see so many young people out on ANZAC day recognising the sacrefices that many gave for us and our way of life.
Whilst I’d like to subscribe to the belief that wars are avoidable I’m afraid I can’t buy into that in all circumstances. I don’t see how Hitler could have been stopped if he hadn’t been stood up to eventually. The same for Imperial Japan.
In fact, if military action had been taken against Germany when it reoccupied the Rheinland in 1936, or against Japan when it invaded Manchuria, it would have probably saved millions of lives. Instead the civilised world hung on, in the belief that the bullies could be appeased.
As the old saying goes Si vis pacem, para bellum.
From a book of letters sent by my great uncle. This on the eve of the battle of Passchendaele
9 Oct 1917
POSTCARD
Dear Mother,
In case I don’t get time to write to-night here goes for a PC. They keep me going these days with conferences and so forth. There’s a lot of work to do and beat things are being terrifically hastened to beat the weather. Came through the last stunt of a few days ago alright. Going in again to the last time and hope to get through likewise. Expect to go back then for some time. Just got the Tablet [Catholic magazine]. You are going to do some great things with the Basilica and it ought to be some structure when completed
Love from Cyril
9 Oct 1917
POSTCARD
Dear May [younger sister]
An Still going well. unfortunately the fine weather has broken and consequently things are not too pleasant. Am having another stunt. So far all is successful, and if it continue so which it will will do, I am certain, the end of the war is very much nearer. Let’s hope so. Our artillery Barrage is a thing to marvel at nothing can live under it. I’ve seen some wonderful and gruesome sights of late. Well Cheer-oh May,
love to all
Cyril
The casualties incurred by the NZ Division in the Passchendaele Operations were approximately 2,730.
FRANCE 6th Nov 1917
Dear Mrs Molloy
I don’t know how I should write with a view to offering you consolation on the death of Cryil in action East of Ypres. It is very sad, too sad and I know the grief you would suffer when the news of Cyril’s death reached you. As I am with the the Rifle Brigade, I very rarely saw Cyril. The last time I saw him was when he was coming out wounded from the Battle of Messines. That was on the 7 of June Last. I did not manage to see after he he back back here.
However I know he received Holy Communion before going into battle for the last time. He was as you know a most lovable boy. All loved and respected him. But it could not be otherwise for he was so brave, kind and generous. It should console you to hear that Cyril was at all times an exemplary catholic and that he dies the death of a christian hero. Others may have written to sympathize with you and give you the particulars of his death, but believe me no one at the front has felt the death of Cyril more than I have.
We were fast friends at Mosgiel and on board ship we renewed and strengthened that friendship. May the Almighty God give rest to his soul and comfort to all his sorrowing relatives at home. Cyril’s body would have been buried on the top of a ridge about 5 or 6 miles due east of Ypres. Of course on the field of the battle bodies are buried where they are found without any or much ceremony.
Rest assured that I shall often remember you in my Mass and pray for you intentions. What sorrow there must be in NZ and and the war is not nearly over. however time must press on.
With Kind regards and sincere sympathy to you and yours
I remain
Yours sincerely
W Sinner CF
4th Battalion NZRB
(William Skinner was a Catholic priest who knew Cyril from Mosgiel.
@Jillibee. I don’t think that is correct as the people from Kilmarnock were on television saying they wanted the contract. Anyhow that is a poor excuse by the RSA for taking the contract away overseas permanently. I asked the poppy seller (some important looking military man) in Wellington whether his were Christchurch or imported ones and he said this is not about politics. I disagreed.