Anzac Day in Australia

What is Anzac Day

Soldiers from Australia and New Zealand played an active role in the invasion and occupation of the Gallipoli peninsula. They were dubbed "Anzacs," and they still delight in that moniker greatly.

Anzac Day - All Quick Overview

• Time/Date: April 25 
• Category: Federal
• Where it’s Marked: Australia
• Why it’s Marked: The day commemorates the first significant military engagement that the nations' soldiers engaged in during World War I.

History of Anzac Day 

The ANZAC soldiers departed Egypt for Gallipoli after four months of preparation there. They set foot on a beach now renowned as ANZAC Cove at dawn on April 25, 1915. 

The landing was terrifying since the beach lay at the base of a steep incline, forcing the ANZACs to strain and risk their lives to clamber up the coast as Turkish troops fired from the cliff's summit and poured mortars and bullets downward against them.

The ANZACs disembarked in the wrong location, both their failure and their claim to fame. They had intended to land on a level beachfront where they might have had a greater likelihood of making it to the shoreline to engage combatants.

On December 20, 1915, the ANZACs started to leave. Barely eight months had passed for the Australians in Gallipoli, yet over that brief period, they had lost 25,000 people, totaling 8700. Consequently, a standoff developed between the ANZACs and the Turkish forces, preventing the side from gaining territory for several months. 

The courage and fortitude of Australian soldiers in the face of imminent death made this heinous incident into a mythology that served to create a nation.

How to Celebrate Anzac Day 

A Dawn Service has kicked off Anzac Day every year since 1927. Soldiers are awakened before sunrise and told to "stand-to" for the sunrise deployment at Gallipoli. There are numerous Anzac Day customs. 

Then, a solitary bugle sounding the Last Post penetrates the eerie silence. To signal to soldiers that they had finished that day, The Last Post was first played during times of conflict.

Flags are flown at half-staff on Anzac Day as a mark of respect, remembrance, and grief. On tombs and shrines, garlands and wildflowers are placed. Retired members strolling in gear are also seen in Anzac Day rallies.

Some Australians opt to journey to Gallipoli in Turkey for a beachside Anzac Day service. Some people go to France to participate in the funerals at Villers-Bretonneux and Bullecourt.

Countries that Observe Anzac Day

Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands are some other nations that observe ANZAC Day. Additionally, there are ceremonies in France, England, and the Turkish peninsula of Gallipoli.

Interesting Facts about Anzac Day 

Here are some intriguing Anzac Day facts to help you learn more about this day of remembering.

• In the battle at Gallipoli, every ANZAC soldier volunteered.
• The historical city of Troy is relatively close to the Gallipoli Peninsula.
• Some people utilize the day to boycott or spread awareness of various concerns.
• On Anzac Day, people wear rosemary to symbolize respect for those who have perished in battle.
• Australia had barely been an independent nation for 13 years when World War 1 broke out.
• In Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC Day didn't become a recognized celebration again till 1921.
• To memorialize their veterans, almost every community in Australia has a cemetery.
• As far as was known, Alec Campbell was the sole Australian to have endured the Gallipoli campaign. 2002 saw his demise.
• Australia subsequently accompanied Britain into battle for World War II 20 years after the conclusion of World War I.
• Australian legislation protects the use of the name ANZAC. If it is misused, it may impose a fine or a jail sentence of up to 12 months.
• The ideals upheld by the Australian soldiers at Gallipoli are known as the "Anzac Spirit," They play a significant role in characterizing Australia as a country.
• The ANZAC Day ceremonies coincide with many soldiers and their descendants' trips to Gallipoli. However, it is possible to visit cemeteries and shrines anytime.
• Despite being prohibited from fighting in World War I, many women served in the Australian Army Nursing Service, providing care to wounded soldiers domestically and abroad.
• ANZAC army wives created the biscuits that are now known as ANZACs for their men. They kept well because they didn't have any dairy products or eggs. Rather than eating bread, the warriors consumed them.
• Australians with friends or family serving in theAustralian Defense Force regard Anzac Day as especially significant. Countless communities consider their moms, fathers, sons, daughters, relatives, or siblings serving on foreign humanitarian missions or in conflict zones.

Unique Anzac Day Celebration Ideas 

Here are some Anzac Day projects and initiatives for individuals ranging from excursions to military memorials, spectacular plays, and Anzac Day demonstrations.

• Baking cookies.
• Anzac Day March.
• Poppy art origami.
• Support for Veterans.
• Moment of Silence.
• Making Postcards.
• Carving out Medals.
• Anzac Scavenger Hunt.
• Construct a Family Tree.
• Planting a Rosemary bush.
• Making silhouette soldiers' paintings.
• Make cards or bookmarks by using pressed flowers.
• Pay a visit to some war memorials in one of the two countries. You may try out a few from the list provided below.

1. Hyde Park Memorial
2. The State War Memorial
3. Queensland National Anzac Memorial
4. The Darwin Cenotaph
5. The South Australian National War Memorial
6. The Shrine of Remembrance

Anzac Day Quotes 

“Heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives! You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.” - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning 

We will remember them." - Laurence Binyon

“It was a time of youth and war, and there was never so much love around.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

FAQ

1. What is the meaning of ‘ANZAC’?

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps is referred to as "ANZAC."

2. Where did the soldiers arrive in Gallipolli? 

The three primary amphibious forces were the Anzac Corps, the British 29th Division, and the French Army Corps.

3. Which flower represents Anzac Day?

The poppy is the emblem of Anzac Day.

4. Who started World War 1?

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, which ignited World War 1.