We’ve just had Anzac Day, our national day of remembrance originating on the shores of Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. I wrote Lest We Forget Anzac Day 2026.
Although we all know about Anzac Day, many Australians would be unaware that, the day before, 24 April, is the day on which Armenians around the world commemorate the Armenian genocide of 1915. This is a story that some of us have never heard, and one that some would hope we forget.
On this day, not far from Gallipoli, the Ottoman Government arrested Armenian community leaders and intellectuals in Constantinople. The Armenians were an oppressed Christian minority, and the arrests marked the beginning of a ruthless genocide, estimated to cost 1.5 million lives (or 2.5 million when including Greeks and Assyrians).
The first Anzacs are remembered for their heroism at Gallipoli. However, they also played a significant role in raising awareness of the Armenian genocide and in saving thousands of potential victims throughout the Middle East. For such actions, Victorian Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige received a Distinguished Service Order.
Sadly, despite the testimony of the Anzacs and genocide scholars, international politics has prevented the Armenian genocide from being recognised in Australia, other than in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania.
As we commemorate Anzac Day in 2026, let us remember the heroism of our veterans, but also the many innocent victims of war, such as the Armenian Christians in 1915.
Above all, let us remember–
…Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
Ephesians 6:12
Adapted from Australian Christian Lobby
References:
Inside Story Australia’s Armenian Story
The Guardian. Anzacs witnessed the Armenian genocide that shouldn’t be forgotten
Armenian Weekly Australia and the Great War
There goes a man if ever there was one Sir Stanley Savige