The Hon Bruce Billson MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence
At the unveiling of the enhanced Ataturk Memorial
Anzac Parade, Canberra
Monday 23 April 2007

It is a pleasure to be with you this afternoon to unveil the newly enhanced Ataturk Memorial here on Anzac Parade.

This memorial stands to acknowledge the events that shaped our nation, which we  commemorate on Anzac Day, but honours the heroism and sacrifice of both the Anzacs and the Turkish troops who took part in the campaign, and, of course, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

It also recognises the growing friendship between Australia, New Zealand and Turkey.

Together, the Australian Government works cooperatively with the Governments of Turkey and New Zealand to ensure dignified and respectful commemorations occur each year at Gallipoli for Anzac Day.

Together we share a commitment to the continued preservation of the Gallipoli National Peace Park and, in particular for Australia and New Zealand, the Anzac Battlefield area.

Together we remember the Gallipoli campaign through the naming of the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula where the Anzacs landed as Anzac Cove; and the great memorial we have here on Anzac Parade.

It is with the support and cooperation of the Government of Turkey that Australians are able to gather in large numbers at Gallipoli on Anzac Day each year to remember the more than 8000 Australians who lost their lives there.

The Ataturk Memorial is named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who led and inspired the Turkish forces at Gallipoli and later became the first president of Turkey.

He was a hero to his people and an extraordinary leader and peacemaker who led his country for 15 years.

Tens of thousands of people have visited the memorial since it was officially unveiled in 1985, which marked the 70th anniversary of the historic Gallipoli landings.

I am pleased that the Australian Government, through my Department, has been able to support the recent enhancements to this great memorial through $330,000 in funding.

The new enhancements bring to life the story of the Australian and New Zealand troops, and also the story of the Turkish forces who defended their country.

The words of Ataturk that are inscribed on the panel on the memorial, express great  honour and respect for the Anzacs and acknowledge the huge losses on both sides.

I quote Mustafa Kemal Ataturk from 1934:

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours…You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.

In two days time, at the Australian War Memorial, thousands of Australians will gather at dawn to remember the day the Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula.

There can be no doubt that 25 April 1915 was the defining date in our history, and a defining moment for the Turkish forces.

The Gallipoli campaign lasted eight months, and at the end, when the troops who had landed at Anzac, Suvla and Cape Helles withdrew, some 85000 Turkish, 21000 British, 9800 French and, 8000 Australians, 2700 New Zealand, 1300 Indian and 49 Newfoundland troops had perished.

And from that campaign grew a sense of respect   for foes, and friendship developed between nations.

This memorial stands to honour the friendship of our nations forged as a result of the Gallipoli campaign.