There is a scramble on to secure a place at the 2015, 100 year an of the famous Anzac landing, with positions being allocated via a special ballot.

It has long been my view that those who had direct relatives who were Anzacs should get preference.

Is this fair, or not?

rehctub,
Unfortunately when money & ego come into play integrity invariably loses.

Rechtub I understand why you think as you do.
And have concerns about reported drunken fools on other visits.
But it is not indys phantoms we need to fear.
Given the years that have passed and the natural increases in those who can claim relationship,we confront the truth,half this country can claim, with honesty ,relation ships.
I rather think some, who would never have the funds to go, should be sent at our costs.
Even VC winners folks may not have the cash.
If it goes of with respect we can be happy.
I have just thought about one side of my family,and truly believe about a thousand of dads side only living today could say the are related.

Yes, I agree Belly.

My grand dad was an Anzac, shot and wounded as he disembarked from the boat.

But this thread is not about my personal agenda, because I offered to take my mum there(in 2015) back six years ago, but she said it would be too much for her. It was her dad BTW.

As for Anzac day, I am very proud to attend, most years, and suggest that if anyone hasn't spent a dawn service at a beach, it is highly recommended, as it really does bring a tear to your eye.

Just have to add this...

We have an elderly acquaintance whose father died in 2001 at 106. He was recognised as the last surviving British member of the Gallipoli campaign.

We went to the ANZAC Day service this year, and decided to do a project on it for "schoolwork". My son tracked down an article about our friend's father from the New York Times, printed it out and gave it to him. He was rather chuffed...but he didn't go to the service himself, instead leaving it up to his granddaughters to represent their great grandfather in the march.

My grandfather was a Gallipoli. Belly is right that the generations expand the connections greatly.

Yes I honor the day, always, and often think just what a great country we could have been.
We lost some of our very best in that war.
Had they lived and had children we would be better for it.