‘Lest We Forget’. This borrowed phrase from an 1897 Rudyard Kipling poem, are three words that are commonly seen and heard on the days leading up to the twenty fifth of April every year. ANZAC day is when Australia commemorates a part of its history that should not be forgotten. However, for those of you who aren’t very familiar with this day, you might be asking, what is ANZAC Day?
Red poppies, marches throughout the nation, and people paying their respects in their driveways. This is what ANZAC Day looks like here, at least from what I’ve seen. As an immigrant who aims to better integrate myself into the Australian society, I feel that it’s important for me to know about the significance and essence of ANZAC Day so this is what we’ll be talking about today.
What is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC day is a day of national remembrance. ‘ANZAC’ stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It was the name that was given to the combined force of the First Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Army troops who landed on Gallipoli Peninsula (Turkey) on the dawn of Sunday, 25 April 1915.
First observed in 1916, ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action that Australian forces fought, alongside those from New Zealand. It first served to commemorate the sacrifice and courage demonstrated by the ANZACs who battled in Gallipoli during WWI. Now, it has broadened to include the lives of Australians who died in any military and peacekeeping operations that the country’s been involved in.
A Bit of History
When World War I broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federated nation for only thirteen years and the country’s government was keen to establish its reputation among the world’s nations. Australia’s brave soldiers (as well as New Zealand’s) formed part of the Allied expedition to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. When they landed on Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1914, they met fierce Ottoman Turkish resistance. Great hardships and heavy casualties were the theme of this eight-month long campaign. It resulted in the loss of thousands of Australian soldiers’ lives.
The Gallipoli campaign did not result in victory in terms of its military objectives but as evident to this day, the ANZACs left a powerful legacy that would be remembered for a long time.
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Some ANZAC Day Traditions/ Commemorative Ceremonies
The Last Post
It is military tradition to sound a bugle call at commemorative services such as ANZAC Day.
Wreaths
You would see wreaths laid at war memorials as a way to remember the people who have lost their lives while serving Australia in its military and peacekeeping operations. The flowers that are popular for this day are Laurel, Rosemary, and Red Poppies.
A Period of Silence
A part of ANZAC Day ceremonies is a period of silence for a minute or two. This is done to show respect and to honour the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in war. It’s also a moment to reflect.
Red Poppies
It is said that the poppies sprang in France and Belgium from war’s devastation and its red colour is from the blood of the soldiers who have died. Red Poppies have become a symbol of remembrance of war throughout the world. In Australia, they are commonly seen on ANZAC Day and on Remembrance Day.
ANZAC Day Marches
Veterans and civilians can participate in a march to honour those who served in Australia’s defense and interests.
Dawn Service
It’s a public commemoration in honour of Australia’s military forces. It may consist of the following ceremonies: a prayer, laying of wreaths, a recitation, the Last Post, a period of silence, and the national anthem. You can participate in a standing ceremony on the Parade grounds or watch a live broadcast on TV.
ANZAC Biscuits
During the First World War, the soldier’s families and friends would send them food. But because of delays, these would have to be something that wouldn’t perish so quickly without refrigeration. It should also have high nutritional content i.e. Anzac biscuits. On a personal note, these are my favourite bikkies!
Conclusion
On this day, as a part of the Australian society, I sincerely give thanks and remember those who have given their all in service of this great country that we now all enjoy. I will end this post with the same words I started it, ‘Lest We Forget’.
Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.
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1 Comment
What are Anzac Biscuits and why are they important? - My Aussie Story · April 25, 2022 at 6:02 am
[…] the past 100+ years, Australia (and New Zealand) has been observing ANZAC day yearly on April 25. Commemorative services are held and people throughout Australia practice […]