Showing solidarity with New Zealanders
Soon after the news of the catastrophic earthquake in Christchurch reached the Australian Parliament, the Prime Minister alluded to the people of New Zealand as one family with Australians and the Leader of the Opposition mentioned the strong bonds of...
Soon after the news of the catastrophic earthquake in Christchurch reached the Australian Parliament, the Prime Minister alluded to the people of New Zealand as one family with Australians and the Leader of the Opposition mentioned the strong bonds of love which reach across the Tasman Sea uniting Australians and New Zealanders.
These sentiments easily strike an emotional note for us, that is, including us Maltese migrants.
In Malta, there is sometimes a sad tendency to confine the Anzac concept to the Australians because of massive Maltese migration to Australia.
It is apt to remind ourselves that the acronym Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and that the ties of Malta with both Australia and New Zealand comprise companionship in arms in both world wars.
One remembers, for example, the part played by Sir Keith Park, a New Zealander, in the air battle of Malta in 1942. After having beaten Kesselring in the Battle of Britain in 1940, Sir Keith (as air officer commanding) again tactically outwitted the German in Malta, thus saving Malta from much further destruction.
We owe him a lot! It is appropriate to acknowledge and show gratitude when gratitude is due!
At this time, with New Zealand hurt so badly, emotions of solidarity go out to New Zealanders, our hearts bleed for them and our thoughts and prayers are with them.
The Anzac spirit is much in evidence as they go about gathering themselves up! Literally from the dust and from under the rubble!