Spirit of the ANZACs
This painting was created on ANZAC Day 2025 as a personal tribute to all past and present Australian and New Zealand service personnel — including the animals who stood beside them. It honours their courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit, in times of both war and peace.
The silhouetted soldiers stand back-to-back beneath the Southern Cross, facing the rising sun — a symbol of remembrance and the dawn of a new day. The Australian soldier wears the slouch hat adorned with the Rising Sun badge, while the New Zealand soldier wears the Brodie helmet — both timeless emblems of ANZAC identity and unity.
To either side, faint images of a kangaroo and kiwi are embedded in the golden sky, representing the national identities and shared heritage of both nations. Below, the golden wattle and silver fern intertwine, rooted in a landscape of remembrance.
The red poppies across the foreground symbolise the fallen men and women who gave their lives in service. Among them, the purple poppies represent the service animals — the horses, donkeys, dogs, and others — whose loyalty and sacrifice are equally worthy of honour. The mounted light horse figures in the distance reflect the bravery of mounted troops who played a pivotal role in ANZAC campaigns.
This painting draws inspiration from Lee Kernaghan’s "Spirit of the ANZACs," a song that brings the voices of the past into the present and reminds us that remembrance is not just about history — it's about identity. These lyrics are at the heart of this work:
“…The spirit of the ANZACs
Proud and strong
Spirit of the ANZACs
Will live on and on and on…”
And so we remember…
“He is all of them. She is all of them. They are one of us.”
❤🌺 LEST WE FORGET ❤🌺
Features:
- Round pinback buttons for instant awesome, just about anywhere
- Small (1.25"/32mm)
- Made with scratch- and UV-resistant Mylar
- WARNING: Choking hazard--small parts.
- Not for children under 3 yrs.
- AGE GRADE WARNING: This product is intended for age 8 and up.
- WARNING: Sharp point hazard.
- This product contains a functional sharp point.
Please note that you may receive multiple parcels when ordering.
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