What is ANZAC Day?

ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th each year, is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.

History and Origin

ANZAC Day originated in 1916, one year after the landings at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, which was the first major military action undertaken by the ANZAC forces during World War I. The Gallipoli Campaign aimed to secure a sea route to Russia and knock Ottoman Turkey out of the war but ended in heavy casualties for the ANZAC forces and ultimately proved unsuccessful. Over time, April 25 became the day on which Australians and New Zealanders remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war, evolving to encompass all military operations in which the countries have been involved.

Who Celebrates ANZAC Day?

• Veterans and Current Military Personnel: Commemorate their comrades-in-arms and reflect on their service.
• Families of Service Members: Remember and honor their loved ones who have served or fallen.
• Australian and New Zealand Citizens: Participate in countrywide ceremonies and activities to honor their military heritage.
• Schools and Educational Institutions: Conduct commemorative ceremonies and teach students about the historical significance of ANZAC Day.
• Various Community and Civic Groups: Hold memorial services, parades, and other events to commemorate this day.

Themes and Slogans

The themes of ANZAC Day are remembrance, commemoration, and national pride, focusing on the spirit of the ANZACs, characterized by endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humor, and mateship. Common slogans include “Lest We Forget” and “We Will Remember Them,” underscoring the remembrance of past sacrifices and the valor of the soldiers.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors: The colors red, white, and blue feature prominently, reflecting the flags of Australia and New Zealand.
• Symbols: Poppies, which are worn and placed on memorials, symbolize the blood shed in battle and are a common sight on ANZAC Day. The rising sun badge of the Australian Army and the silver fern of New Zealand are also significant symbols.
• Patterns: Depictions of Gallipoli, the ANZAC Cove, and military insignias are commonly used in materials related to the day.

Most Used Hashtags

• #ANZACDay
• #LestWeForget
• #WeWillRememberThem
• #ANZAC
• #Remembrance

How to Celebrate

• Attend a Dawn Service: Participate in the traditional dawn services held at war memorials around both countries, symbolizing the soldiers’ landing at Gallipoli at dawn.
• Marches and Parades: Join or watch the ANZAC Day marches held by veterans and military personnel.
• Memorial Services: Attend services at local cenotaphs or war memorials throughout the day.
• Educational Activities: Learn more about the ANZAC legacy through documentaries, books, and museum exhibits.
• Bake ANZAC Biscuits: Make these traditional biscuits, originally sent to soldiers abroad because they kept well during naval transportation.

ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversaries of the Gallipoli landings to a day where all Australians and New Zealanders reflect on the many different meanings of war. Let’s honor the spirit and sacrifice, ensuring that the deeds of those who served are never forgotten.