"'Anzac' is often described as what it 'means to be Australian'. But as we approach the centenary of the landing at Gallipoli it is time to ask whether all Australians in today's multicultural society see the Anzac legend as the core of national identity.
As Australia commemorates the centenary anniversary of the Gallipoli landing this Anzac Day, some of Australia's leading military historians and defence experts discuss some of the modern issues surrounding our nation's day of remembrance.
Professor Joan Beaumont, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre
"'Anzac' is often described as what it 'means to be Australian'. But as we approach the centenary of the landing at Gallipoli it is time to ask whether all Australians in today's multicultural society see the Anzac legend as the core of national identity."
Dr Rhys Crawley, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre
"One hundred years ago an allied force, consisting of troops from France, Australia, New Zealand, India, and led by Britain, landed at a number of beaches on the Gallipoli peninsula. It is more important on this Anzac Day, where we commemorate those actions of a century ago, that we contextualise our commitment and do not overlook the important role performed by our allies."
Dr John Blaxland, ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre
"Australia was born out of a peaceful act of federation. But in the absence of a martial moment such as the French storming of the Bastille or the American Revolutionary War, Gallipoli seems to have filled the void.
"Set amongst the backdrop recounted in ancient Greek and Turkish folklore, the tragic events at Gallipoli captured the Australian imagination and that craving for a moment of pathos. We live with the legacy of that today. One hundred years later Australians and New Zealanders are once again involved alongside each other in military operations in South West Asia. The continuities and discontinuities of that story are important for us all to understand."
Dr Andrew Hughes, Research School of Management
"Whilst the donations from large brands and organisations are like rain for a desert garden for many veteran associations, you have to wonder if the spirit of the day is being slowly lost by increasing tie-ins and connections to a day that in some states we no longer even celebrate on the day itself.
"You have to wonder if the ANZAC spirit is evolving into the ANZAC profit where brands are looking to increase sales and engagement by associating with a day that means so much more to most Australians than anything that their brands might ever achieve."
Dr Peter Dean, Director of Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre
"As the Anzac Centenary occurs it is important to remember that as the Government has stated 'time to honour and reflect upon the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn our nation's uniform - past and present'- while we should rightfully being paying homage to the landing at Gallipoli we should not overlook the fact that 2015 is the 50th anniversary of the commitment of combat troops to Vietnam, and the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and well as the continuing service of ADF personnel around the globe."
