On 25 April 1915, ANZAC soldiers landed at Gallipoli. The campaign ended in defeat, with more than 10,000 Australians and New Zealanders killed or wounded. One year later, ANZAC Day was observed to mark the anniversary of that landing.
At first glance, the motto “Lest we forget” may seem troubling. Wouldn’t it be better to forget war, with all its cruelty, loss, and pain? It is a fair and honest question.
But ANZAC Day is not about holding on to hatred or glorifying conflict. It is about remembering people, ordinary men and women who made an extraordinary sacrifice.
Did you know the phrase “Lest we forget” comes from a poem written in 1897 by Rudyard Kipling? The poem is ultimately about remembering God, especially when life becomes loud and overwhelming:
The tumult and the shouting dies;
The Captains and the Kings depart:
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget - lest we forget!
The poem reminds us that in times of both war and peace, it is easy to forget God. Even more sobering, Christians can forget the work of Jesus. Jesus, too, gave His life in apparent defeat, not to bring peace to one nation, but to the world. As Scripture tells us,
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
- Mark 10:45
It is 2026, and war is again present in many nations. News headlines and online opinions can leave us anxious. Perhaps we need to listen to Rudyard Kipling. Find a quiet place. Thank God, not only for the peace we enjoy in Australia, but for the peace He offers all nations in Christ.
Pray for peace overseas. Pray for your neighbour, that they may know Jesus.
Lest we forget.