By Isabelle

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a day to remember those who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey on the 25th of April. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day is also remembered in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. The soldiers were known as Anzac's.

Anzac Day

What Does Anzac Day Mean?

Australians recognise the 25th of April as a day of commemoration. Many services are held at dawn, the time the Anzac’s landed across the nation. Marches are held through many major cities and centres. We remember different meanings of war. Services are held at war memorials around the country. Although Gallipoli failed to knock Turkey out of the war, they are still remembered for their very brave actions. Every year we have a minute silence to remember those who fought and died in war.

In the 1920’s Anzac Day became a traditional day of commemoration, but not for all countries. It It started as a public holiday and still is, but over the years people started to celebrate Anzac Day by holding, dawn vigils, marches, memorial services, reunions and sly two-up games. People lay wreaths in war memorials at dawn service. People also lay red poppies in front of the plaques of their loved ones, because they used to grow on the battlefields. Australians remember the day by thinking of people who fought and died. Many people eat the “Gunfire Breakfast‘ (coffee with rum added the breakfast the ANZAC’s ate. Later in the day ex- servicemen and women join in marches through major cities. Is different today because not many services were held, but now there are so many people who celebrate so many different services.

How was Anzac Day Celebrated?

The Last Post was a warning to all soldiers stillfighting, that it was time to retire for the evening. The Last Post is played at funeral and memorial services, as a last goodbye and symbolises that now they can rest in peace. The Ode is part of a poem said at the Anzac service. There is aWidow’s badge that is given to the mum’s or Widow’s of ANZAC’s that were killed in war. There is a special gold star on them for every child lost.

Facts on Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a very important day for Australians. We hope that all those who fought and served in war can now rest in peace.