I had a great-uncle, the brother of my maternal grandfather, who died at Gallipoli.
My father was in the RAAF during the second world war, and as such I have had a great reverence for Anzac Day for most of my life. I usually march in my local Anzac Day march wearing my father’s medals on the right side and carrying my great uncle’s pipe and wax matchbox that was engraved with the best wishes of his mates when he sailed on his one-way trip.
I was planning to march again this year despite my health being not so great.
On Anzac Day morning, I heard on the radio that there were Welcome to Country performances at the Dawn Services across the country met with booing by the crowd.
My initial reaction was great … it’s a special sacred day that should not be politicised by activists. But then, on reflection, I also recognised that such a special commemoration should not be tainted by booing or cheering.
It also triggered a memory that at the end of the last few local marches, the commemorative ceremonies were preceded by a ‘Welcome to Country’ to which last year I turned my back on.
Given the above and my health issues, I regrettably decided not to march this year, which saddened me.
In a previous article of mine in the Flat White section of The Spectator Australia on the July 30, 2025, I pointed out that, ‘The widespread use of “Welcome to Country” in the general community always was and always will be an invention of Ernie Dingo in 1976 in Perth when a Māori Group refused to perform unless they received a ritual greeting. That it has become a staple of the Woke diet in this day and age is depressing, although not surprising.’
Alas it seems to be getting worse.
It was interesting to read the statements of Premiers Allan and Minns concerning the issue.
Jacinta Allan wrote: ‘…it disrespects everyone who fought and died for our freedoms. Politicising this sacred day is bastardry. I condemn it and so should every leader.’
Chris Minns commented: ‘Anzac Day should always be treated with the respect, solemnity and reverence it deserves.’
I agree with these statements but for diametrically opposed reasons. The modern creation of Welcome to Country being used on Anzac Day, in my view, politicises the sacred day, disrespects it, and undermines the solemnity and reverence it deserves.
I despair that there will be no end to this Woke madness.
