Why ANZAC Day?

For some time now, ANZAC Day has ceased to be simply about the Gallipoli Landing and the systematic murder and destruction, by both sides, that was World War I. As the New Zealand State has since added numerous wars to its belt – World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Afghanistan… – ANZAC Day has been transformed into a celebration of the proud history and the noble work of the New Zealand military.

For too long, this celebration has gone virtually unopposed. In no other sphere of life is a group that has as its primary aim the death and destruction of others celebrated with such sacred observance – except apparently that which is sanctioned by the New Zealand State.

War is Peace

War is no longer a popular term; it does not make for good public relations. This has required a certain re-branding on the part of militaries around the world.

In an Orwellian twist, Departments of War have been renamed Departments of Defence, and wars today are re-branded as humanitarian missions, installing ‘democracy,’ peacekeeping efforts and reconstruction. The fact that these humanitarian missions require the use of some of the most sophisticated killing equipment appears to be a minor point.

NZ Troops Out Now!

Lest we forget that the New Zealand military is currently deployed across 18 separate missions around the world, of which the war in Afghanistan, and the occupations of the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste are the most despicable.

Lest we forget that, despite attempts to brand the military otherwise, it is still a professional and well-equipped institution that engages in systematic and legitimised murder, armed patrols, nightly curfews, military checkpoints and all the other associated tactics of modern militaries.

Lest we forget that the military does not fight in a neutral or disinterested manner, but like all armies it serves the interests of the New Zealand State, whether these interests be the advancement of various economic agendas or forging closer relationships with other nations such as the United States and Australia.

Lest we forget: Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste
NZ Troops Out Now.org