We Asked Young Aucklanders How Connected They Feel to Anzac Day

Auckland Museum at dawn. All photos by the author.

Today Kiwis and Australians get a holiday to think of the tens of thousands of young men and women killed in allied wars. It's a chance to acknowledge history, and to pay tribute to the numbers of our relatives who were shot, starved, lost, or generally messed up fighting for an attachment to home and country.

Today, the simplicity of this narrative draws cynicism from some, while others revel in it as part of their own identity. Yet in many ways the real problem facing Anzac Day isn't perceptions of patriotism—it's time. It's been 101 years since Gallipoli, and a total of five since we had any surviving WWI vets. And despite think pieces pleading millennials to carry on the tradition of remembrance, Anzac might just seem like a bit of an arbitrary concept.

We went along to the very, very early dawn service at Auckland's War Memorial Museum to ask young people why they'd shown up, and to get their thoughts on remembrance. Why is it important to remember, if we have so little personal connection ourselves?

MAEVE, 25

It's really early, why are you here?
I wanted to come after I saw [animated Gallipoli film] 25 April. I also haven't been in a few years and I mean…it's the reason for the public holiday.

Do you feel if you aren't commemorating the reason for the public holiday it's hard to enjoy?
Yeah I think we take it for granted.

Have you always been such a patriot?
Not really at all. I mean I used to come to the dawn service all the time when I was little, with my parents and stuff. I've always felt moved by the sombre tone.

It's funny how much our parents really tried to impart that message of remembrance and sacrifice onto us, it's kind of worrying that might not continue.
Well did you hear? On the speaker today one of the guys said he was surprised how young the crowd was and how great it is. But it's funny, there are always so many kids with their parents and middle-aged people. There seems to be this real gap.

(From left) LAURA, 20, MAGGIE, 15

Why was it important for you to come down today?
Laura: It's really important to pay our respects, you know?

Do you think younger people just see Anzac day as a holiday, rather than appreciating what it stands for?
Laura: Yeah totally, so many people just see it as a day off.

Is this ever something you would do with your friends?
Laura: I mean we've never talked about it with friends, but you'll see people you know. I mean we learnt so much about it at school. So I think that keeps it relevant.

(From left) KIRI, 16, WHAIOA 15, MOANA, 17

What does Anzac mean to you guys?
Kiri: Oh wow. This is actually the first time at the dawn service. I guess we felt a sense of obligation.
Whaioa: There's definitely a want to remember those who fought for our country, they spent so many days in foreign countries in rain, shine, dirt.
Kiri: Exactly, the least we could do is getting up early in the morning.
Whaioa: Right and respect them.

Do you think many other young people feel like you? How can we foster a connection between youth and something that occurred so long ago?
Kiri: Well it's funny that's what we were saying on the train, we saw way more old people than young people and that makes sense because the older generation most likely has a personal connection.
Whaioa: Our Dad has told us about our family members that were over there, so it definitely feels special when you hear the stories.

(From left) BAILEY, 17, LAURA, 19, ALICE, 18, RHIA, 19, ISAAC, 18

Guys, it's early and cold, what are you doing here?
Alice: Our uni hall was actually making a trip so we decided to tag along.
Laura: Yeah, pay our respects!

But why did you feel like you needed to?
Alice: Well they died for the country, and if they hadn't we don't know what could have happened. Life here could be so different. So much worse.

How do you think Anzac can stay relevant to the younger generation?
Laura: I think you have to remember what the day is about. Having a day off because people died and then not remembering them doesn't really seem right.

So you felt a real sense of obligation?
Alice: Yeah totally.

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