Lest we forget: reflections inspired by ANZAC Day dawn services

Having lived in Australia for nearly 36 years, I've watched the ANZAC Day parade many times amidst the crowds. Today it is my first time to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Services held in Martin Place Sydney, experiencing it firsthand.

Many, many people have already gathered here, and all seats in the entire square were filled. Both sides of the square were also lined with participants paying homage and remembering the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Gallipoli.

The ANZAC Day Dawn Services had already begun earlier than planned while the sky was still dark. The program included speeches, recitations, choir performances, and laying wreaths at the memorial. The first speaker was a representative of the Indigenous Australians, followed by the Premier of New South Wales, the Governor of New South Wales, and many other speakers, each delivering brief but heartfelt speeches. They all solemnly pledged at the end, "Lest we forget."

Attending the Dawn Services today felt markedly different, influenced by the setting and the solemn atmosphere around, I truly felt the gravity and solemnity emanating from the darkness. Though never directly involved in war throughout my life, I could empathize with a sense of pride in the victors of war and the hope for no more wars.

However, this time, I earnestly reflected on the origins and significance of the ANZAC Day, which has been observed for 109 years.

World War I occurred primarily in Europe from July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918, initially involved the major European powers. However, as the major European powers became embroiled in conflict, the war eventually spread globally, with most countries around the world getting involved.

In 1914, the major European powers were divided into two camps: the Triple Entente, consisting of France, Britain, and Russia, formed in 1907, and the Triple Alliance, composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbian nationalists in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Following this, on July 28, Russia declared war on Austria-Hungary, citing its duty to protect Serbia. Germany, France, and Britain then declared war according to their respective alliances.

When Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, the young Commonwealth of Australia, as a member of the British Empire, immediately followed suit and entered the war. After joining the war effort, enthusiasm for the war surged across Australian society, with the nation displaying unprecedented unity in its attitude towards participation.

ANZAC Day originated from the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. On April 25, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. The casualties included 8,709 Australian soldiers and 2,721 New Zealand soldiers.

Although the ANZAC force comprised only 28,150 troops, a relatively small portion of the 500,000-strong Allied force involved in the Gallipoli Campaign, Australia suffered the most casualties in proportion to its population during World War I. About 10% of New Zealand's population (approximately one million at the time) served overseas during the war, making New Zealand the country with the highest casualty rate per capita among all participating nations.

The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was a joint force that participated in the Battle of Gallipoli, as well as in the Middle Eastern and Western Fronts during World War I, all of which ended in failure. Despite this, the Allied side, including the British, ultimately emerged victorious over the Triple Alliance. While the ANZAC forces lost the battle, they, along with the British, were victorious in the war.

Since 1916, ANZAC Day ceremonies have been held on April 25 in both Australia and New Zealand.

In all Australian states, April 25 is a public holiday. From dawn on this day, war memorials across the country hold commemorative ceremonies. Additionally, major cities typically host parades to honor the courageous servicemen and women. These parades are often led by veterans, followed by representatives of the active military, descendants of veterans, military bands, and others. They march along the main streets of the city, receiving cheers and tributes from the crowds lining the roads.

During World War I, Germany, in an effort to salvage its failing fortunes, provided significant financial support to the Bolsheviks in Russia led by Lenin, resulting in the October Revolution. This led to the overthrow of the Russian Provisional Government, the execution of the Tsar, and the establishment of the Soviet Union, ultimately prompting Russia to exit the war. However, despite these efforts, Germany still faced defeat, and the Soviet Union emerged as the world's first communist state, employing a firm authoritarian regime.

With the consolidation of the Soviet regime and recognition from the Roosevelt administration in the United States, the communist movement gained unprecedented momentum. This was especially evident during World War II when, with support from Roosevelt, the Soviet Union turned the tide against Hitler's Germany, expanding its influence significantly across Eastern Europe and establishing the Warsaw Pact military alliance, which rivalled NATO.

Following World War II, President Truman continued the policies outlined in the Yalta Agreement signed by the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union. Closely cooperated with Stalin and, sympathizing with the Chinese Communist Party based in the caves of Yan'an, Truman imposed an arms embargo on the Republic of China (ROC). This action ultimately enabled Mao Zedong to overthrow Chiang Kai-shek, the wartime ally of the United States, and establish the People's Republic of China.

Truman and Acheson's Far East strategy ignited Kim Il-sung's ambition to unify the Korean Peninsula, leading to the outbreak of the Korean War. Despite Mao Zedong sending troops to support North Korea, Truman refused Chiang Kai-shek's participation and strictly ordered MacArthur not to invade China, aiming to de-escalate tensions between the United States-led free world and the communist bloc and ensure the safety of the newly established People's Republic of China by recalling MacArthur.

ANZAC Day commemorates fallen Australian and New Zealand soldiers, showcasing the pride of war victors and praying for an end to war.

However, the reality is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the potential escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict. There are also two highly volatile flashpoints: the threat of war between North and South Korea, and the tensions between Beijing and Taipei. The ongoing "American Cultural Revolution" at Ivy League universities is adding fuel to the fire of global unrest. The United States is on the path of decline, while Xi Jinping and his cohorts in Zhongnanhai foresee a "rise in the East and fall in the West," setting directions for the Earth and possibly the universe. The post-war Yalta system established by Roosevelt and implemented by Truman looks also crumbling, heading towards collapse.

The world is in peril, and it seems to be inching closer to the brink of a third world war. Albert Einstein once said, "I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

Are you scared?