Australian comedian and former ABC personality Greg Larsen has sparked controversy with critical remarks about Anzac Day, describing the national day as a "myth" and expressing his refusal to participate in its commemoration. Larsen made these remarks during an episode of his podcast, The Greg Larsen Show, which he recorded in a Sydney hotel room on Thursday as he prepared to perform at the Sydney Comedy Festival.
In the episode, Larsen initially joked about his ability to defeat the Anzacs in a fight, clarifying that this was intended in jest. However, his tone quickly shifted to a more serious critique of the significance of Anzac Day. Larsen asserted that he believes Anzac Day was created as a "jingoistic, nationalistic myth" designed to encourage patriotic displays such as flag waving and conformity. He said, "I believe that the very existence of Anzac Day as a commemoration is a slap in the face to everyone who died at Gallipoli," adding that traditional acts like laying wreaths and saluting the flag are "the same as p***ing on the graves" of those who died in the campaign.
Larsen elaborated on his perspective by questioning the accepted narrative about Australia's national identity. He noted that the concept of nation-states is relatively recent, having been invented roughly 300 years ago, and argued that Australia's foundation story centred on the Anzacs is a myth. "Australia's myth is the Anzacs – that's our myth, that's where we believe the country was founded, and it wasn't," he said. He continued, "We believe that Australia grew up that day and that we became a nation on that day, and I believe that is all total fing horses."
Larsen's comments drew a response from Vietnam veteran Michael von Berg MC OAM, who expressed sadness at the comedian's statements. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, von Berg described Anzac Day as a solemn occasion where members of the defence forces come together to remember fallen comrades. "Anzac Day for us is that one day where all services from the defence family come together to remember those friends we've lost, and I've lost a lot of them," he said. Addressing Larsen's characterisation of Anzac Day as a myth, von Berg remarked, "You say that to the next of kin of all the service men that have been killed. It defies logic, basically."
Von Berg speculated that Larsen might be seeking attention through his controversial remarks, suggesting, "He's probably a comedian of no consequence and sometimes when you're not getting good reviews or ratings you come out with something quite extraordinary to get some notoriety."
The veteran also expressed concern that Larsen's comments reflect a broader pattern of criticism directed at symbols and traditions of national importance. He warned of a perceived erosion of respect for national history and service, stating, "We're under attack from all quarters from people who simply don't love our country, our flag, and our traditions, and it's very sad." Von Berg, who was awarded the Military Cross for leading his troops through an ambush in Vietnam in 1966, distinguished between criticism of war itself and respect for the soldiers who fought in conflicts. "Denigrate war, but don't denigrate the soldier," he said.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Greg Larsen for further comment on his remarks.
Source: Noah Wire Services