Two posters
depicting the different experiences of Australians on
the Western Front in 1916 have been released in the
lead-up to Anzac Day to commemorate the thousands of
lives lost in battles on the Western Front.
Dan Tehan,
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting
the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, said
posters are produced and distributed every year to
support the observance of Anzac Day.
"As part of
the Anzac Centenary activities for 2016, these posters
focus on the Western Front and the varying experiences
of Australian soldiers who were involved in battles 100
years ago," Minister Tehan said.
The first
image depicts members of the 53rd Battalion preparing to
take part in the Battle of Fromelles, the first major
battle fought by Australian troops on the Western Front,
while the second image depicts men of the 1st Division
recovering at Vignacourt, behind the lines.
"The
posters call on the audience to imagine what it was like
for those in the photographs to spend their time
shifting between the danger of the battlefront and the
relative safety of the towns behind the lines, where
soldiers had opportunities to recover," Minister Tehan
said.
Both
posters will be distributed to Australian schools,
libraries, ex-service organisations, aged care
facilities, hospitals, local councils, and Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade overseas missions.
The posters
are supported by an online Wartime Snapshot,
providing background information and learning activities
for schools and members of the public to freely
download.
The Anzac
Centenary 2014 to 2018 is the most significant period of
commemoration in our nation’s history. It is a time to
acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all those who
have served over the past 100 years, and those who
continue to serve in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping
operations.
High
resolution versions of both posters and the Wartime
Snapshot can be accessed from the Anzac Portal at
www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au.
