The Australian Bite
ANZACS & eagles
21 April 2010
Listen and download: MP3
This week on the Bite, as Australians take part in the annual ANZAC day commemorations, which mark the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, we hear from two distinguished professors of history who have released a new book which dares to challenge the mythology of the Anzac legend, and its place in the Australian psyche. We also hear the story of Miru, a orphaned wedge tailed eagle chick who was rescued from certain death. And some music from Australian rock band Powederfinger, who recently announced their plans to disband after a stellar 21 year career.
Historians question the significance of ANZAC day
The 25th of April is ANZAC day. It’s a public holiday and a day when Australians commemorate the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey in 1915 and recognise the efforts and sacrifices made by all Australians who have fought and served in wars and peacekeeping missions. Over the decades, ANZAC Day has evolved from a solemn day of remembrance to something of a celebration – where we praise the Australian ethos of mateship and talk about how the ANZAC spirit defines who we are. However historians and commentators have long debated why a military defeat is so central to our national story, and two distinguished professors of history have just released a new book which has dared to challenge the mythology of the ANZAC legend.
Marilyn Lake is from La Trobe University in Victoria, and Henry Reynolds is Professor of History at the University of Tasmania. Their book is called What’s Wrong with Anzac? The Militarisation of Australian History and they speak with Fran Kelly in this extended interview.
ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. You can read more about the history and significance of ANZAC Day (25th April) at the Australian War Memorial website.
You can read an opinion piece about ANZAC day by Marilyn Lake and Henry Reynolds here – as well as some interesting comments from readers.
Saving Miru, the baby wedge-tail eagle
Wedge-tailed eagles are one of northern South Australia’s most majestic and iconic animals, striking awe in to the hearts of those who witness them in the wild. But what happens when an eagle is injured or orphaned and is need of help? Miru is an orphaned wedge-tailed eagle chick, who was recently discovered by a farm worker at Woomera station in the north of South Australia. She ended up being cared for at the Minton Farm Animal Rescue Centre, which is run by Bev Langley. Bev’s tells Brett Williamson the story.
Listen to the story again and see more pictures of Miru at the ABC Adelaide website
Music (not in podcast)
One of Australia’s most critically acclaimed rock bands, Powderfinger, are soon to embark on a farewell tour having announced their plans to call it quits. The five-piece band, which formed in Brisbane in 1989, received many awards over their 21 year career. A number of their albums have reached multiple platinum status, and their most successful album Odyssey Number Five, produced four hit singles, including this one which won the 2001 ARIA music award single of the year.
Artist: Powderfinger
Track: My Happiness
Album: Odyssey Number Five (2000)
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