What Australian papers say today, Thursday, April 25, 2002
SYDNEY, April 25 AAP - As the marchers shuffle past today, look beyond the World WarI veterans to those who follow, says The Australian in its editorial today.
It is an editorial theme carried by several newspapers on a day special to Australians.
"See what they share. It's not just the medals, the limps or the grey hairs. It's notthe beers or the two-up," says the national daily.
"It is the knowledge that Australians, as one, can beat any challenge."
Australia has often regarded Gallipoli as its defining moment of nationhood.
"But we should also see how defending our own shores in 1942 united us and expandedthe Anzac spirit of courage, mateship and humour," says The Australian.
The Brisbane Courier-Mail says the real core of Anzac Day has remained unscathed foreight decades: its poignant acknowledgement of sacrifice; its enshrinement of mateshiptinged with larrikinism; and its glorification not of military triumphs, but of the triumphsof an indomitable spirit.
Inevitably there will be change as the ranks of the veterans continue to dwindle, soAustralia's political leaders must plan for the day when only a few ex-servicemen andwomen answer the bugle call on Anzac Day.
"By all means, let young Australians bear the Anzac tradition on their shoulders asthey march into the future - but let us make certain they know what it stands for," TheCourier-Mail says.
The Daily Telegraph says that with the Anzac landing a poorly planned diversionaryexercise in 1915 logic would demand that Australia's commemoration of such an event bequestioned.
But to do so would be to question the very essence of our Australian heritage.
"It would ignore the stoic pragmatism that led the Gallipoli veterans and their colleaguesnot only to endure the most ferocious battles in military history on the Western Frontbut also to change the course of the war through their valour.
"This is not mere patriotic fervour but fact, acknowledged by the French and later,begrudgingly, by the British War Office."
The Sydney Morning Herald says the Anzac tradition is a living one.
"It does not celebrate war, but honours courage and sacrifice. It is a distillationof an earlier tradition, of the mateship of the bush, with its powerful ingredient ofhumour in adversity and streak of larrikinism.
"It is pride without arrogance, of being sceptical of all authority but never doubtingthe good fortune of being Australian."
The Age says the RSL is misguided in resisting the participation of young people inAnzac Day marches.
"Backpackers make a pilgrimage to Gallipoli itself; teenagers quietly assemble in thedark shrouding the Shrine to pay homage to forebears or simply because there is somethingabout the occasion that moves them," the Melbourne paper says.
"Their presence and interest suggest the ceremonies have an assured future.
"It is the mixture of ages and backgrounds and faiths on show that makes Anzac Daywhat it is. And, though they did not know it at the time, it is partly what those youngmen were fighting for in 1915."
Melbourne's Herald Sun says oil companies have expressed shock at finally been takento task, but to drivers the only surprise is that the probe into price fixing took solong.
"Each public holiday drivers watch helplessly as petrol prices leap together like traineddolphins," it said.
"For many today begins a long week-end - when petrol prices usually soar," the paper said.
"Rest assured, we will be watching."
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KEYWORD: EDITORIALS
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