Today is ANZAC day.
It’s a significant day for many New Zealanders and Australians. I went to the “dawn” parade with Tim and we had a conversation (at 10:00am, in the sun, looking from the memorial over the town to the spectacular scenery beyond) about national identity. Since he was actually born in Holland, his take is different… but I still think we ultimately agreed that one of the unifying aspects of the country for New Zealanders is the land itself – and our relationship with it. We also decided that we’re a migrant nation. I’m not sure exactly what effect that has, but I think it’s significant nonetheless (what do you think it means to be a New Zealander?). Fighter planes and helicopters flew overhead.. and there were hundreds of people in attendance. Commemoration is alive and well in rural New Zealand.
Michael King has a lot to say about all this too in his rather thick “Penguin History of New Zealand”. It’s definitely worth a read if you haven’t already.
Here is another migrant’s take on the ‘land’ (thanks Stephen for alerting me to this site).
It was this day last year that I became single again. It’s been a big year. I think I’ve done well and feel as if I’m at last getting onto an even keel again. I keep looking at little cribs around the place and wondering what it would be like to own one.. I keep seeing nice cats in other people’s houses and thinking it would be nice to have a cat. I know it’s early days in this new life of mine, but it’s unmistakable nonetheless: I’m starting to feel settled.
It’s getting cooler now – I’m fixing the heater in Heath, the car. It’s fun – and wonderful to have the time to spend hours fiddling around with tools, screws and car parts.
What did you do today?