The Rev’d Canon Garland has long been acknowledged as the architect of ANZAC Day commemorations. One of his aims was to take this sacred service out into the public square, away from the sectarian divides among churches of the time and create a space for all to gather regardless of religious affiliation to remember and commemorate the commitment and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in times of war and conflict.
In this short video, the Anglican Church Southern Queensland honours Canon Garland and explains why he is identified with the national day of remembrance that is Anzac Day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQt5qXBgFgs&t=41s
If you have not yet seen it, you may like to visit St John’s Cathedral and see on display the last flag flown in Gallipoli before the evacuation of ANZAC troops from the peninsula.
It was Denzil Scrivens (who many know from our 9:30 am congregation and meditation group), to whom credit is due for the painstaking research to discover the hidden history of this flag. You may like to read the whole story here.
ANZAC Day falls on Sunday this year. We will celebrate the readings and prayers of Easter 4 as we do each year, but there will be additional prayers and a sacred time of silence in all of the services to remember those who have lost their lives in times of conflict. I know many of us will also be attending local Anzac services which continue as Canon Garland wished, to gather people in sacred remembrance in the public square.
Grace and peace,
Sue+