Sydneysiders marked Anzac Day with style and reverence, remembering both those who fought and died for our country as well as those currently in the armed forces.
Among the dawn services, games of two-up, and a tribute service in the Opera House forecourt, a Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral was celebrated in honour of those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country.
In his homily at a vigil Mass on 24 April attended by members of the Australian Army, Navy, and Air Forces, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP paid tribute not only to what the Anzacs did for us but the legacy they have left in their stead.
“In addition to praying for eternal rest for the dead and peace for the living, the annual commemoration of Anzac Day allows us to celebrate the best of the Anzac spirit while hopefully avoiding jingoism, triumphalism, or romanticising war,” Archbishop Fisher said.
He said the Anzacs originally hoped the Great War in which they fought would be the last one, but it was not, and humanity needed to remember its subsequent commitments to justice, peace, intelligence, and diplomacy.
“Anzac Day must surely be a call to recommit to our highest ideals and protest against our lowest falls,” he said.
“It challenges us all to give humanity cause for hope, even amidst the realities of our sinful division.”
Deputy Director of Maritime Intelligence and Information Warfare, HMAS Watson Commander Simon Kelly says Anzac Day is a “day of solemn reflection” for those who have died for Australia.
“It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing service and commitment of those men and women who continue to serve today, who go into harm’s way, who contribute to our country in conflicts, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” he told The Catholic Weekly.
Royal Australian Navy Chaplain Adrian Gomez said the Anzac Day vigil Mass, and he day itself, makes him feel connected to the nation and all serving in the armed forces.
“I’m thinking of those young men, and they were so young, putting their lives on the line, many sacrificing their lives in order to serve their country, to lift up the freedom and the possibilities that we have for life in Australia,” he said.