Have Anzac Commemorations Become Too Commercialised
HUMANITIES - OPINION PIECE
Have the Anzac commemorations become too commercialised?
Before venturing into an answer, it’s important to understand the question. What does ‘commercialised’ really mean? The Free Dictionary describes commercialised as “organised principally for financial gain.” It does not mention popularity, a broadened reach into mainstream consciousness or increased awareness of what something is. However, these very things may occur if something organised for the purpose of financial gain is very successful.
Here in Australia, sport is one of the most important, valued, respected and celebrated undertakings in our culture. A countless amount of sports pay tribute to Anzac Day every year, through special matches and events. One of the best examples of this is the Australian Rules Football (AFL) Anzac Day Clash, held annually on Anzac Day. …show more content…
Over the last 20 years, a total of over 1.7 million people have attended the games, along with many millions who have watched or listened to the broadcast on television and radio. For the last 8 years, the crowds at the matches have exceeded over 86,000.
The games consist of the veterans motorcade, the playing of The Ode and The Last Post, a minute silence, the raising of the Australian Flag, the singing of the National Anthem, and lastly the presentation of the Anzac Day Medal. The Anzac Day Medal was introduced in 2000 and is given to the best-on-ground player of each clash. The recipient must best exemplify the Anzac spirit – skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play — and this award is regarded as very prestigious and
Have the Anzac commemorations become too commercialised?
Before venturing into an answer, it’s important to understand the question. What does ‘commercialised’ really mean? The Free Dictionary describes commercialised as “organised principally for financial gain.” It does not mention popularity, a broadened reach into mainstream consciousness or increased awareness of what something is. However, these very things may occur if something organised for the purpose of financial gain is very successful.
Here in Australia, sport is one of the most important, valued, respected and celebrated undertakings in our culture. A countless amount of sports pay tribute to Anzac Day every year, through special matches and events. One of the best examples of this is the Australian Rules Football (AFL) Anzac Day Clash, held annually on Anzac Day. …show more content…
Over the last 20 years, a total of over 1.7 million people have attended the games, along with many millions who have watched or listened to the broadcast on television and radio. For the last 8 years, the crowds at the matches have exceeded over 86,000.
The games consist of the veterans motorcade, the playing of The Ode and The Last Post, a minute silence, the raising of the Australian Flag, the singing of the National Anthem, and lastly the presentation of the Anzac Day Medal. The Anzac Day Medal was introduced in 2000 and is given to the best-on-ground player of each clash. The recipient must best exemplify the Anzac spirit – skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play — and this award is regarded as very prestigious and