Gallipoli is a peninsula in the European part of Turkey. It is a long way from New Zealand. In 1915, during World War 1, thousands of Allied soldiers invaded Gallipoli. As part of the invading Anzacs, New Zealand soldiers landed in April and were evacuated in December. Their diaries described Gallipoli as hell on Earth, but they also mentioned some funny events, friends they made, and the bravery of men they fought alongside. Gallipoli was important to New Zealand's identity, culture and organisation. It helped Kiwis develop a sense of themselves as a nation. Today that nation holds fast to Anzac Day, the day of invasion. Gallipoli was an important place and environment. Turks there fought to defend their homeland. Anzacs fought Turks and the environment. Today the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park honours the many thousands of soldiers who died there. It is a place of peace to which visitors from all over the world come. Gallipoli was and is an example of continuity and change. The battle there was an event with causes and results. The ideas and actions of New Zealand's heroes at Gallipoli helped shape and continue to help shape New Zealand society.
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