diggerdave
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2007 Gallipoli Dawn Service arrangements - no drunks or yobbos
From ‘The (Newcastle) Herald Weekender’
Saturday 14 April 2007
Quote [Destinations
Lest we forget
Fallen diggers will be shown the solemn respect they deserve at this year’s service in Anzac Cove, writes Max Blenkin.
Security will be tight again this year for visitors making the pilgrimage to Gallipoli for the Anzac Day dawn service on April 25.
Everyone entering the commemorative site in Turkey to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Gallipoli landing will be screened on entry and have to wear a wristband at all times to show they have passed security.
Alcohol will be confiscated and drunks turned away.
Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson says the Anzac Day dawn service is not an occasion to party and there will be no booze and no Bee Gees.
The continuing crackdown follows commemorations in 2005 when 20,000 visitors swamped the site, sparking complaints of boisterous and disrespectful behaviour, excessive drinking, inappropriate entertainment, insufficient bins and inadequate toilet facilities.
Security and controls on bad behaviour were stepped up last year, when about 12,000 people attended.
Billson says Turkish, Australian and New Zealand organisers are expecting 10,000 to 15,000 visitors this year.
A dignified and educational experience is the objective for all.
“Visitors will enter the site through security checkpoints where bags will be checked,” the minister told reporters recently.
“Large backpacks, camping equipment, alcohol and dangerous items are strictly prohibited. Intoxicated people will not be welcome and will be denied entry.”
As well as having to wear a wristband, visitors also will be given a show bag containing a rubbish bag, raincoat, Anzac biscuits and information booklets.
Inside the commemorative area, visitors will be entertained throughout the night with large screen documentaries to explain what occurred at Gallipoli and why it is significant to Australia, New Zealand and Turkey.
Rather than the much criticized Bee Gees music videos screened in 2005, the re will be live period music performed by Australian and New Zealand military bands. Also performed will be a score composed by Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe.
Billson says roads to Anzac Cove are in better condition than in previous years but some work is being done in readiness for the commemoration crowds.
Roadworks undertaken by Turkish authorities have attracted strong criticism in past years with claims that insensitive construction damaged the site.
Turkish Ambassador Murat Ersavci says he hopes the focus this year will be on the Gallipoli story, not the roads.
He says Turkey recognises the significance of Gallipoli for the Turkish people as well as for Australians and New Zealanders.
“It is time for the dominant feature and the experience to be about those who have staked their own lives for the benefits of others,” he says.
“We should recognise the nobility of their sacrifice and commit ourselves to preserve their legacy rather than focusing solely on engineering works.”
“It is very emotional and quite moving and an incredible story in its own rights and we Turks are very sensitive about it.”
New Zealand Veterans Affairs Minister Rick Barker says it is important that all who attend enjoy a positive experience.
“A strong message must be conveyed to the crowd concerning appropriate behaviour, dress, conduct and respect for a sacred place of remembrance in a foreign country,” he says.
“Those attending the Gallipoli commemorations are guests of the Turkey and are being shown the most generous of hospitality.”
Murat Ersavci says his wife’s grandfather died at Gallipoli.
“We all have somebody who lost family and this is true I suppose for all countries,” he says.
Almost a century on, Gallipoli continues to touch the descendants of those who fought and died there.
Fighting back tears, New Zealand-born Liberal senator Judith Adams says her grandfather, a member of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, died at Chunuk Bair.] Unquote
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4/15/2007, 7:06 pm
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