Lest we forget: reflections inspired by ANZAC Day dawn services

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?