At the Hellfire Pass Memorial Kanchanaburi Province The sound of military trumpets and bagpipes Singing a lullaby in the early morning It is dedicated to the souls of the brave soldiers who met their cruel fate on the road. “Death Railway” during World War II 2Once again, relatives of Australia and New Zealand all come together in Thailand on April 25 every year to pay tribute to the dark period of mankind. and the eternal departure of family members Which is known as “Anzac Day” or ANZAC Day. Anzac Day ceremonies are not held only in Thailand alone. But they occur at historical war sites around the world. Starting from the battlefield in Türkiye. During World War I, the Anzac Army (short for Australian-New Zealand Army) Operation to land troops on the Galipoli Peninsula in the early morning hours of 25 April 1915, and resulted in tragic losses for all involved as The commemoration at the Hellfire Pass Memorial is the result of over 1,000 Australian (including British) prisoners of war being taken by the Imperial Japanese Army to be used as brutal slave labor. Forced to work day and night with equipment according to availability Under an expedited time frame between June and August 1943 and caused the soldiers who survived to return. Dubbed “Hellfire Pass”, Hellfire Pass reflects the image of Japanese guards standing with torches along the railings. Having the opportunity to follow and attend the ceremony with the embassy. Australian Ambassador to Thailand this year I must admit that the atmosphere is still full of mystique. Ready to receive additional answers: The reason why the mourning is held at dawn after 4 a.m. is to reflect the lives of the soldiers. who often fight during the first light of the day In such work Rear Admiral Justin Jones, Commander of the Australian Forces Joint Headquarters He also told me that It was the first time I was honored to attend the memorial ceremony at Hellfire Pass in Thailand. This place serves as a reminder to all of us of its brutality and dark history. But at the same time, it shows the spirit of a person who is like a light. and ready to learn from mistakes made in the past when my great-grandfathers and great-grandfathers went to fight in Europe. And my grandfather was in the Royal Australian Air Force. Today I have the knowledge that it is Anzac Day. It’s not just a day dedicated to soldiers in the Australian Armed Forces. but also to all soldiers who bravely served their country. No matter what uniform you wear. Or from any country, like the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela McDonald, who opened up during the ceremony that Remembrance of Anzac Day It is about not forgetting those who have left us. For me One of them was Private Walter McDonald, his great-grandfather who gave his life in the Battle of Lone Pine in World War I at the age of 21 on this Death Railway route. It is considered the point where more than 12,800 prisoners of war, including more than 90,000 laborers, died from disease, starvation, abuse, and lack of proper medical care. Meanwhile, Thais themselves risked their lives to smuggle food and medicine to the prisoners of war. So keep the memories. and traveling to this place It is to honor them all in a moment of remembrance by standing still. On this place of historical importance We can all look forward to the brutal results of conflict. The brutal results of the war Impacts on various countries Broken communities to the immeasurable suffering of the families of the deceased and the sacrifice of one person “When considering these things Is it possible that It will help create determination for all of us. In doing anything that helps your own community Help the nation, support “putting people in our shoes” with other countries in the world. If this can be done, it will truly honor those who have passed away. People who have served the nation and those who are still serving the country today.” amidst the gentle breeze that blows along with the morning sun. Everyone parted ways to bid farewell with the custom of “Gunfire Break Fast” and received breakfast supplies including tea and coffee mixed with rum. Coupled with Judith Durnam’s song, which perfectly fits the atmosphere of reflection. “We are united. Even from a hundred fathers Thousands of mothers in various lands everywhere Together we share dreams and sing the song with one voice: I Am You R V R Australian – I, You and We are Australians.” The heartfelt message To feel love for one’s homeland and loved ones who died in the war. which will never be forgotten with time. Weerapot Inthaphan click to read more column “7 Days Around the World”
