The Dilemma of Commemoration: ANZAC Day Through a Quaker Lens

25 Apr, 2024 by Barry 1 Comment

Attending this morning’s Dawn service gave me time to reflect on my attitude to commemorating war. The following article was formulated while standing in the dark and cold and polished off with a little help from Copilot in the warmth and comfort of my home office.

As dawn breaks on ANZAC Day, a solemn silence envelops the crowd gathered to honour the memory of those who fought and died for New Zealand. The day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and peace. Yet, for some, like the Quakers, the commemoration stirs a complex mix of emotions. 

Quakers, known for our commitment to pacifism, hold a deep conviction that war and preparation for war are fundamentally wrong. This belief is rooted in the principle of non-violence and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions to conflict. It’s a stance that often places us at odds with the traditional narratives of valour and heroism associated with military service. 

In New Zealand, ANZAC Day has evolved to emphasise the losses and tragedies of war, reflecting a national consciousness that mourns the cost of conflict rather than celebrating its martial aspects. This shift aligns more closely with the Quaker perspective, which acknowledges the courage of those willing to risk their lives while advocating for a world where such sacrifices are no longer necessary. 

The white poppy, often worn by Quakers in the days leading up to ANZAC Day, symbolises this dual acknowledgement. It represents remembrance for all victims of war and a commitment to peace, challenging the conventional view of war. Wearing it to a dawn service may be seen as controversial, but it also opens a dialogue about the ways we remember and the values we uphold. 

As New Zealanders and Australians diverge in their approach to ANZAC Day, with Australia seemingly placing more emphasis on the glory of war, the question arises: how can we honour the bravery of our soldiers while actively seeking alternatives to armed conflict? The answer lies in a proactive role for New Zealand in international diplomacy and peace-building efforts, embodying the spirit of the white poppy in its foreign policy. 

In commemorating ANZAC Day, we find ourselves at a crossroads between past and future, tradition and progress. It’s a day to reflect on the past sacrifices and to renew our commitment to a future where peace is the norm, not the exception. As we lay wreaths and observe moments of silence, let us also pledge to work tirelessly towards a world where the tragedies of war give way to the triumphs of peace. 

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This article aims to capture the essence of the internal conflict experienced by myself and others who deeply respect the sacrifices made by soldiers while holding firm to the belief in non-violence and peace. It’s a conversation starter, inviting readers to consider the full spectrum of emotions and beliefs that ANZAC Day evokes and the role each of us can play in shaping a more peaceful future. 

Sources

1. What do Quakers believe about war and serving in the military? 
2. The Quakers and Their War of Resistance | NCpedia 
3. Quakers in the American Revolution – Wikipedia 
4. Quaker Pacifism in the Context of War – Friends Committee On National … 
5. Explainer: Why do we commemorate Anzac Day? | Newshub 
6. What do the different coloured poppies mean? – BBC Newsround 
7. The ceremony – Anzac Day | NZHistory, New Zealand history online 
8. Anzac Day | New Zealand Story 
9. Anzac Day resources | NZHistory, New Zealand history online 
10. Anzac Day: How to mark the day in your town | RNZ News 
11. The Significance of Poppies in WW1, Memorial Day & Anzac – Lotusmagus 
12. Sharing the Significance of ANZAC Poppies With Our Tamariki! 
13. The History of the ANZAC Day Poppy – Lucy’s Florist 
14. http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1947/press.html 
15. http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/apr/16/rare-memorial-inspires-quakers-work 
16. en.wikipedia.org