Latest news with #AustralianandNewZealandArmyCorps
Sky News AU
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
ABC star Greg Larsen's disgraceful comments as he calls ANZAC Day 'a jingoistic, nationalistic myth to get you to wave a flag and fall in line'
Australian comedian and former ABC star Greg Larsen has launched into a shocking tirade against Anzac Day, declaring he refuses to commemorate the national day as he believes it is a "myth". In the hour-long episode of his podcast The Greg Larsen Show, titled 'ANZAC DAY SPECIAL', Larsen said he wanted to 'stoke some controversy' and 'up his listener count'. "Here's my hot take: I reckon I could beat all the Anzacs in a fight," he began. "There, I said it. I reckon they're not so tough." The self-described "leftie" quickly reversed his position, claiming he was joking about fighting the Anzacs. 'I don't hate the Anzacs, you know what, controversial for me to say… I like the Anzacs, I love the Anzacs," he said. However, he went on to explain why he refuses to commemorate the national day of remembrance, which honours the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing at Gallipoli during World War I- a campaign in which approximately 8,709 Australians and 2,779 New Zealanders died. "I believe, and I believe this firmly, that Anzac Day was invented as a jingoistic, nationalistic myth to get you to wave a flag and fall in line," Larsen said. "And I believe that the very existence of Anzac Day as a commemoration is a slap in the face to everyone who died at Gallipoli. "And laying a wreath while saluting the flag is the same as p***ing on the graves of the poor souls who died like dogs in the dirt for no good reason." Larsen argued that the concept of a nation-state was "actually pretty new… we invented countries around 300 years ago". He then launched into a nearly 30-minute tirade about nationalism and what he claimed was the true history of World War I, suggesting the Anzacs were "just killing people they'd never met because they were lied to." "All of them were tricked, all of them were lied to, all of them were led to their deaths by the dog c***s that run this dog c*** nation," he said. Larsen further claimed that the Anzacs form the "myth" underpinning Australia's national identity. "Anzac Day is our myth," he said. "Anzac Day should not be a day where we fly a flag, Anzac Day should be a day where we burn a flag." Larsen, once regarded as one of the ABC's most celebrated comedians, has also appeared on Channel Seven and starred in the BBC One drama The Tourist. During his time at the ABC, he featured as a comedian on Tonightly, appeared on Spelling Bee, and regularly served as a commentator across ABC radio and TV. has contacted the ABC and RSL Australia for further comment.
Daily Mail
25-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Princess Anne pays solemn Anzac Day tribute in Gallipoli while the Duchess of Edinburgh leads dawn service in Hyde Park
Princess Anne has remembered 'brave Anzacs' in their own words during a dawn service in north-west Turkey where thousands fell 110 years ago. On a day when the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand forces who were killed in the Gallipoli landings in 1915 was recognised in services across the world, the Princess Royal laid a wreath on that fateful coastline. Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps - shortened to Anzac - landed on the western shore of the Gallipoli peninsula on April 25, 1915, as part of the failed campaign that lasted into 1916. In a message on social media King Charles, who attended the dawn service in Gallipoli on Anzac Day in 2005 and 2015, said he wanted to pay a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand veterans, and those who are on active service today. 'Through the generations, you have continued to enact the indomitable spirit of Anzac - forged in terrible conflict and preserved in peace - of courage, mateship and sacrifice,' he said. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh joined Australians and New Zealanders for a dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and a Westminster Abbey service of commemoration and thanksgiving. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn were among crowds who travelled from the southern hemisphere for the dawn service. During the service at Anzac Cove, Princess Anne reflected on the words of three men who were involved in the assault, including one of the first to land on the beach. She described the 'pluck' that 'our boys' had shown, while another described the 'terrible sight of hundreds of dead and wounded lying all along the beach - I shall never forget it'. The Princess Royal spoke of the eight month long campaign which cost and changed the lives of tens of thousands of Australian, New Zealand, British and French soldiers. 'Their words have helped us understand and support families left behind,' she said. '110 years later, we stand here at dawn to commemorate the Anzacs, remembering their bravery, courage and sacrifice. 'We also remember all Australian and New Zealand men and women who since that day have served their country in wars, conflicts and peace missions. Their service is not forgotten, we will remember them.' In his address, Mr Luxon described Gallipoli as a name 'etched into New Zealand's national identity'. 'It represents not only this shore and these hills, but the valour that was shown here on both sides, the terrible sacrifice and the utter tragedy of war,' he said. 'Some 16,000 Kiwis served here. At that time we were a nation of just a million people. Our contribution as a small nation at the bottom of the world was disproportionate. 'What happened here scarred generations of New Zealanders. While we remain proud of those who serve, we do not glorify what happened here, we know too much to do that, instead we acknowledge the courage and the tenacity of the Anzacs, and we respect of the valour of the Ottoman Turks who resisted them.' More than 100,000 troops died in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War by the UK and allies to capture the Dardanelles Strait. The assault in 1915 was intended to wound the then Ottoman Empire and cut off a key connecting water route between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, a move which would have also aided Russia. Princess Anne attended services across Gallipoli on Thursday and laid wreaths for the fallen of several nationalities, including the UK and Ireland, France and Turkey. Later she met Mr Luxon as well as senior political figures and diplomats during a reception at the Kolin Hotel in Canakkale. During speeches, Princess Anne hailed Turkish friends and emphasised the importance of passing on the tradition of remembering those who have fallen in war. She quoted Turkish hero Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, saying: 'There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side in this country of ours. 'You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this island, they have become our sons as well.' She described words such as these as having 'paved the way for ferocious battles that took place on this land to be replaced by long-lasting friendships and strong alliances that we must take forward to the future'.
The Herald Scotland
25-04-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Princess Royal remembers brave Anzacs in their own words at Gallipoli
Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – shortened to Anzac – landed on the western shore of the Gallipoli peninsula on April 25 1915 as part of the failed campaign that lasted into 1916. In a message on social media Charles, who attended the dawn service in Gallipoli on Anzac Day in 2005 and 2015, said he wanted to pay a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand veterans, and those who are on active service today. 'Through the generations, you have continued to enact the indomitable spirit of Anzac – forged in terrible conflict and preserved in peace – of courage, mateship and sacrifice,' he said. The Princess Royal delivers a speech during the 'Spirit of Place' ceremony and dawn memorial service at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula (Yui Mok/PA) Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh will take part in the annual Anzac Day commemorations held in London, joining Australians and New Zealanders for a dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and later a Westminster Abbey service of commemoration and thanksgiving. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn were among crowds who travelled from the southern hemisphere for the dawn service. During the service at Anzac Cove, Anne reflected on the words of three men who were involved in the assault, including one of the first to land on the beach, and described the 'pluck' that 'our boys' had shown, while another described the 'terrible sight of hundreds of dead and wounded lying all along the beach – I shall never forget it'. Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – shortened to Anzac – landed on the western shore of the Gallipoli peninsula on April 25 1915 (Yui Mok/PA) She described an eight month long campaign which cost and changed the lives of tens of thousands of Australian, New Zealand, British and French soldiers. 'Their words have helped us understand and support families left behind,' she said. '110 years later, we stand here at dawn to commemorate the Anzacs, remembering their bravery, courage and sacrifice. 'We also remember all Australian and New Zealand men and women who since that day have served their country in wars, conflicts and peace missions. Their service is not forgotten, we will remember them.' In his address, Mr Luxon described Gallipoli as a name 'etched into New Zealand's national identity'. 'It represents not only this shore and these hills, but the valour that was shown here on both sides, the terrible sacrifice and the utter tragedy of war,' he said. 'Some 16,000 Kiwis served here. At that time we were a nation of just a million people. Our contribution as a small nation at the bottom of the world was disproportionate. 'What happened here scarred generations of New Zealanders. While we remain proud of those who serve, we do not glorify what happened here, we know too much to do that, instead we acknowledge the courage and the tenacity of the Anzacs, and we respect of the valour of the Ottoman Turks who resisted them.' The Princess Royal attended an event at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park on Thursday (Yui Mok/PA) More than 100,000 troops died in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War by the UK and allies to capture the Dardanelles Strait. The assault in 1915 was intended to wound the then Ottoman Empire and cut off a key connecting water route between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, a move which would have also aided Russia. The Princess Royal talks to Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon at a reception, hosted by Jill Morris, ambassador to the Republic of Turkey (Yui Mok/PA) Anne attended services across Gallipoli on Thursday and laid wreaths for the fallen of several nationalities, including the UK and Ireland, France and Turkey. Later she met Mr Luxon as well as senior political figures and diplomats during a reception at the Kolin Hotel in Canakkale. During speeches, Anne hailed Turkish friends and emphasised the importance of passing on the tradition of remembering those who have fallen in war. The Princess Royal walks beside the graves of Turkish soldiers in the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park (Yui Mok/PA) She quoted Turkish hero Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, saying: 'There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side in this country of ours. 'You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this island, they have become our sons as well.' Anne described words such as these as having 'paved the way for ferocious battles that took place on this land to be replaced by long-lasting friendships and strong alliances that we must take forward to the future'.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Duchess of Edinburgh to attend Anzac Day commemorations in the capital
The sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand forces will be remembered at a dawn service marking Anzac Day. A congregation will gather in central London for the annual event commemorating the national day of remembrance for fallen Antipodean servicemen, old soldiers and those still serving. Stephen Smith, Australia's High Commissioner, and Chris Seed, acting High Commissioner for New Zealand, will attend the service at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner along with fellow countrymen and women, with the Duchess of Edinburgh also due to pay her respects. Wreaths will be laid at Antipodean memorials and prayers said during the service. Anzac Day has been commemorated in the capital since the first anniversary of the First World War Anzac – Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – landings at Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1916, when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey. Since then, the services have become an important moment for thousands of New Zealanders and Australians, who honour the sacrifices of their countrymen and women in all wars. Anzac Day will also be marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph due to be attended by the Duchess of Edinburgh, who will later join the congregation at Westminster Abbey for a service of commemoration and thanksgiving. The Princess Royal is in Turkey to mark, on behalf of the King, the 110th anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on the beaches of Gallipoli. On Thursday Anne delivered a message from Charles during a service at Turkey's Canakkale Martyrs' Memorial, with the King extending his 'special thoughts and prayers', and describing how 'we may take some solace in the warm friendships and deep alliances that have emerged from the desperation of Gallipoli'.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
King pays special tribute to Australian and New Zealand forces on Anzac Day
The King paid a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand forces who fell during the Gallipoli landings in 1915 as dawn broke on Anzac Day. Services took place as the sun rose across the two nations on Friday marking the 110th anniversary of the ill-fated assault on the peninsula in north-west Turkey during the First World War. Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – shortened to Anzac – landed on the western shore of the Gallipoli peninsula on April 25 1915 as part of the failed campaign that lasted into 1916. Later, the Princess Royal will represent the royal family in person at a dawn service at Anzac Cove where those landings took place more than a century ago. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh will take part in the annual Anzac Day commemorations held in London, joining Australians and New Zealanders for a dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and later a Westminster Abbey service of commemoration and thanksgiving. In a message on social media Charles, who attended the dawn service in Gallipoli on Anzac Day in 2005 and 2015, said he wanted to pay a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand veterans, and those who are on active service today. 'Through the generations, you have continued to enact the indomitable spirit of Anzac – forged in terrible conflict and preserved in peace – of courage, mateship and sacrifice,' he said. More than 100,000 troops died in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War by the UK and allies to capture the Dardanelles Strait. The assault in 1915 was intended to wound the then Ottoman Empire and cut off a key connecting water route between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, a move which would have also aided Russia. Many from Australia and New Zealand have travelled to Turkey to take part in anniversary services. Anne attended services across Gallipoli on Thursday and laid wreaths for the fallen of several nationalities, including the UK and Ireland, France and Turkey. Later she met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as well as senior political figures and diplomats during a reception at the Kolin Hotel in Canakkale. During speeches, Anne hailed Turkish friends and emphasised the importance of passing on the tradition of remembering those who have fallen in war. She quoted Turkish hero Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, saying: 'There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side in this country of ours. 'You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this island, they have become our sons as well.' Anne described words such as these as having 'paved the way for ferocious battles that took place on this land to be replaced by long-lasting friendships and strong alliances that we must take forward to the future'.
