ANZAC Day
April 25
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. It honors the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in wars and peacekeeping operations.
Table of Contents
When is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day is observed annually on April 25th. The following is the list of ANZAC Day from 2020 to 2049.
The History of ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day traces its roots to April 25, 1915, when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli during World War I. The campaign was part of an Allied strategy to open a sea route to Russia by capturing the Ottoman Empire's capital, Constantinople (Istanbul).
However, the ANZAC troops faced fierce resistance from the Ottoman forces, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the future founder of modern Turkey. The campaign turned into a brutal, eight-month-long stalemate with extreme hardship and heavy casualties. Eventually, the Allied forces withdrew in December 1915 and January 1916.
Despite the military failure, the courage displayed by the ANZAC soldiers became a defining moment in the national identities of Australia and New Zealand.
The first ANZAC Day was observed on April 25, 1916, a year after the Gallipoli landing. It was marked by memorial services and public gatherings in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
During World War II (1939-1945), ANZAC Day broadened its meaning to honor all Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in both world wars. By the late 1940s, the day became a public holiday in most Australian states and New Zealand.
In the decades following the wars, ANZAC Day continued to be a solemn day of remembrance, though its significance declined somewhat during the 1960s and 1970s. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, ANZAC Day saw a resurgence in participation.
Today, ANZAC Day is one of the most significant national days in Australia and New Zealand. It honors not only those who fought at Gallipoli but all service members who have served in wars and peacekeeping operations.
What Do People Do on This Day?
ANZAC Day is marked by a range of commemorative and cultural activities across Australia and New Zealand.
The Dawn Service is one of the most significant traditions, held at war memorials and RSL clubs. It starts before sunrise, symbolizing the time of the Gallipoli landing in 1915, and the service usually includes: A moment of silence for reflection, the Last Post played on a bugle, a prayer and hymns, recitation of "The Ode of Remembrance", and the National Anthems of Australia and New Zealand.
Veterans, current service members, and descendants of ANZAC soldiers participate in parades and marches through major cities and towns. These marches honor past and present service members from various wars and peacekeeping missions.
Throughout the day, wreaths of poppies and rosemary (symbols of remembrance) are laid at memorials and cenotaphs. Many communities hold mid-morning memorial services featuring speeches, readings, and moments of silence.
Many Australians and New Zealanders visit national war memorials, such as Australian War Memorial (Canberra), Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Shrine of Remembrance (Melbourne).
Australia and New Zealand hold special ANZAC Day sporting matches.
Two-Up is a traditional Australian gambling game played on ANZAC Day, particularly in pubs and RSL clubs. It was popular among WWI soldiers, and the game is legally permitted only on ANZAC Day in most parts of Australia.
More about ANZAC
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was a military formation of troops from Australia and New Zealand who fought together during World War I (1914-1918). The name ANZAC has since become a symbol of courage and national identity for both nations.
The ANZAC Corps was formed in December 1914 as part of the British Empire's forces. It was initially created for the Gallipoli Campaign (1915) but later served in the Middle East and Western Front.
The ANZACs landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915, as part of an Allied invasion against the Ottoman Empire. They faced fierce resistance resulting in a prolonged, bloody campaign.
After eight months of trench warfare and heavy casualties, the Allies withdrew from December 1915 to January 1916.
After Gallipoli, many ANZAC soldiers were redeployed to France and Belgium to fight in trench warfare against Germany from 1916 to 1918. By 1918, Australian and New Zealand troops played a key role in breaking German lines, helping end the war.
The ANZAC Corps was officially disbanded in 1916, but ANZAC troops continued to serve throughout World War I. ANZAC soldiers later served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and modern conflicts.
April 25th, ANZAC Day, was established to commemorate their service.
