The history and diversity of Anzac Day
Thursday, 24 April 2008
On the eve of Anzac Day, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, reflected on the rich history and diversity of our Anzac tradition.
Mr Ferguson also expressed concerns about groups who over the years have, on occasion, attempted to use Anzac Day as a means of legitimising claims to being “real” Australians and exclude those perceived as not being Australian.
‘Nothing could be further from the truth,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘During the First World War, the Aussie digger was representative of our diverse Australian identity – not only of British heritage, but also Indigenous, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Ukrainian and Polish, amongst others.
‘In fact, Chinese Australians in particular, have been a part of the Australian military and participated in every conflict since the Boer War.
‘There were seven Indian Australians named Singh who served in the First World War with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and records indicate their religions ranged across Sikh, Hindu and Christian.
‘During the Second World War, allied troops fought alongside Australians on European battle fields. Many migrated to Australia in the post-war period, including many from Greece and Poland.
‘This rich history is reflected in the diversity of backgrounds of the men and women who march in Anzac Day parades tomorrow.
Mr Ferguson notes Elena Gover’s recent book on Russian Anzacs in which she states that there were almost 1000 men born in the former Russian Empire as part of the First Australian Imperial Force. This was the largest group after those of an Anglo or Celtic backgound.
‘Our Anzac Day, rather than being exclusive, is very much inclusive of our multicultural Australia.
‘All Australians, regardless of their background, share in this tradition,’ the parliamentary secretary added.
Lest we forget.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj 02 6277 4920 or 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08030.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST