“The dead are the best advocates of peace”: 2026 Gallipoli Commemorations

It’s John McLeod’s last year of being the New Zealand commemoration lead for Gallipoli, and he assures it’s one he will remember.

“I think this one again reinforces why we need to commemorate here,” he told rova.

“People say that the dead are the best advocates of peace and when you come here you can see it. It reinforces it in a world that's really challenging at the moment.”

Although disconnected from the volatility in the Middle East, McLeod said the turmoil is still very much on people’s minds. 

“Obviously, we're very aware of the world around us. The Turkish authorities are really aware of that.”

“So, we need to actually keep the memory of what happened here and a whole lot of other places alive. To remember what happened, but the tremendous loss, the folly, all these things.”

McLeod is in Gallipoli, recounting the past at the early hours of the morning. This year, his main focus with his team was to outline the importance of painting a multicultural recount of what happened historically. 

“We were enemies with the Turks 111 years ago, fighting each other to the death. And now, with reconciliation and friendship, we are doing this together. It is one of the great examples of foes coming together as friends and demonstrating to everyone how this can be achieved,” he described.

“And I think in this world, that's exactly what's needed."

Like previous years, the dawn service will be broadcast live with 2,300 in attendance on the peninsula itself. It’ll run over two days, commemorating all the Turkish, British, French, Australians and New Zealanders.

Although he’s been to the grounds multiple times, McLeod said he still pinches himself in amazement and honour. He added he’s sad to go, but eager to keep the conversation going.