Avram Horowitz wrote on Apr 22
nd, 2012 at 3:03pm:
I will enjoy the service I am sure.
I am interested to see the different style in compared to services of rememberance I have attended in previous years.
Your secular comment is interesting.
Why do you believe Australia is so more secular than other countries of similar people?
Is it because it is other side of the world to every one else and away from it?
I agree that it is but I wonder why?
From what foreigners have told me of their experience of ANZAC Day, non Australians also believe this day to be special and unique. There is a genuine sense of respect, not just for Australia's military contributions around the world (focussing on Gallipoli), but also a palpable awareness of the fragility of peace. There is also a genuine atmosphere of goodwill. It is well worth you attending the Dawn Service to get a true sense of the reverence Australians have for the day.
Do I really think Australia is more secular than other countries? Well, I think I am being a bit parochial on that point... Which is not to say I don't think Australia is (at least one of) the world's most secular nation/s.
The reason I believe it is secular, has a lot to do with our innate suspicion of authority (despite - and paradoxically notwithstanding - our innate need to be led by powerful nations) regardless of whether that authority is political or religious. I'd attribute that to Australia's Irish influence.
Most importantly though, ANZAC Day commemorates the nation's greatest founding myth. Our ANZAC soldiers now have the status similar in stature to ancient Greek heroes.