ANZAC Myth
What is a myth?
Another word for a myth is a legend. Often in Australia we talk about a myths and legends as being something that is false or untrue. But a myth does not mean true or false. A myth is a story that has meaning to people; whether it actually happened or not does not really matter. Think about the following popular myths and what message they are trying to convey. Myths for Children:
Religious Myths
Historical Myths
Myths serve a purpose - they teach values and provide meaning even if the facts are blurred (or even completely untrue). The ANZAC Spirit is promoted and remembered by Australians as:
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And the band played Waltzing MatildaAnd the young people ask, "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question Quotes about the ANZAC MythJohn Howard (2002 - Australian Prime Minister): "It is a story of great valour under fire, unity of purpose and a willingness to fight against the odds that has helped define what it means to be an Australian"
Danna Vale (2002 - NSW Veterans Affairs Minister) - "Today is about compassion, about endurance against overwhelming odds, about mateship, it is about a 'fair go' - these are the values that were lived by our Anzacs and our Aussie boys on the Western Front and Gallipoli" Paul Keeting (1993 - Australian Prime Minister) - "It is a legend not of sweeping military victories so much as triumphs against the odds, of courage and ingenuity in adversity." Historians statements about the ANZAC mythSome Historians (those who study and interpret history) believe the myth has confused Australians about what actually happened. Here are some statements about the facts of the conflict.
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