The Gallipoli landings introduced the name ANZAC to the world. General Sir Ian Hamilton said, “Before the war, who had ever heard of ANZAC? Hereafter, who will ever forget it?”

Anzac Day is not about glorifying war. I suppose one negative of celebrating Anzac Day could be that it reinforces the view that violence is the way to resolve conflicts. As has become evident over recent months with a surge in cases of domestic violence and allegations of sexual abuse amongst prominent people, we have far too much of that already in our society. However, I would suggest that Anzac Day is actually about two quite different things.

Like so many other things, Anzac Day will this year will be very different. However, while we may have to change the way we celebrate this day, the truths behind it do not change. Jesus said, “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13).