OMEN
04-16-2006, 01:01 AM
http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5140562,00.jpg
Trashed ... The Anzac Cove site after the 2005 dawn service
GALLIPOLI pilgrims face mandatory bag searches and heavy security at this year's Anzac Day commemorations in Turkey.
Security guards will confiscate all alcohol in a bid to stamp out loutish behaviour that marred last year's event.
Veterans were outraged by the behaviour of some visitors who slept on headstones and left piles of rubbish.
And after complaints about a Bee Gees song played through loudspeakers, this year's service will feature a specially created musical presentation by a Turkish composer.
Extra lighting and fences have been installed to keep visitors on marked paths and assembly areas, away from human remains and headstones scattered around the Gallipoli peninsula. Coaches may also be searched and drunks will be turned away.
Visitors will be allowed to carry only small bags and day-packs. Large packs and camping equipment will be banned.
An alcohol ban at the site has been loosely enforced previously, but Veterans' Affairs Minister Bruce Billson said the Australian and Turkish governments agreed it was time to get serious.
"The day is all about respect and dignity, and reverence for those who served," he said.
Mr Billson said the changes were necessary to "help manage the flow of pedestrians" around Gallipoli and cope with its increasing popularity.
Large screens will provide coverage of services for pilgrims with restricted movement.
Documentaries in English and Turkish with sub-titles in both languages will also screen in the lead-up to the April 25 services.
After contributing just $25,600 for maintenance at the site last year, the Federal Government will spend $16 million to help prepare it for a massive influx of visitors expected for centenary commemorations in 2015.
New music has been commissioned from Turkish, Australian and New Zealand composers to premiere each year leading up to 2015.
Subsidence from bungled roadworks will be gradually fixed. Temporary repairs are expected to be complete by Anzac Day.
News.AU
Trashed ... The Anzac Cove site after the 2005 dawn service
GALLIPOLI pilgrims face mandatory bag searches and heavy security at this year's Anzac Day commemorations in Turkey.
Security guards will confiscate all alcohol in a bid to stamp out loutish behaviour that marred last year's event.
Veterans were outraged by the behaviour of some visitors who slept on headstones and left piles of rubbish.
And after complaints about a Bee Gees song played through loudspeakers, this year's service will feature a specially created musical presentation by a Turkish composer.
Extra lighting and fences have been installed to keep visitors on marked paths and assembly areas, away from human remains and headstones scattered around the Gallipoli peninsula. Coaches may also be searched and drunks will be turned away.
Visitors will be allowed to carry only small bags and day-packs. Large packs and camping equipment will be banned.
An alcohol ban at the site has been loosely enforced previously, but Veterans' Affairs Minister Bruce Billson said the Australian and Turkish governments agreed it was time to get serious.
"The day is all about respect and dignity, and reverence for those who served," he said.
Mr Billson said the changes were necessary to "help manage the flow of pedestrians" around Gallipoli and cope with its increasing popularity.
Large screens will provide coverage of services for pilgrims with restricted movement.
Documentaries in English and Turkish with sub-titles in both languages will also screen in the lead-up to the April 25 services.
After contributing just $25,600 for maintenance at the site last year, the Federal Government will spend $16 million to help prepare it for a massive influx of visitors expected for centenary commemorations in 2015.
New music has been commissioned from Turkish, Australian and New Zealand composers to premiere each year leading up to 2015.
Subsidence from bungled roadworks will be gradually fixed. Temporary repairs are expected to be complete by Anzac Day.
News.AU