Anzac Day

Anzac Day, observed annually on April 25, is one of Australia's most solemn and significant national holidays. It commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey), in 1915 during World War I. This campaign, though a military failure, forged a powerful legacy of courage, endurance, and mateship that came to define the Australian national character. The day was first marked in 1916 with ceremonies and marches, and over the decades it has evolved to honor all Australians who have served and died in military operations, including later conflicts such as World War II, Vietnam, and peacekeeping missions. The year 2026 marks the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, a milestone that continues to resonate deeply with Australians of all ages, reinforcing the importance of remembrance and national identity.

Anzac Day traditions are deeply rooted in ritual and community participation. The day typically begins with a Dawn Service, mirroring the time of the original landing at Gallipoli. This solemn ceremony includes the playing of 'The Last Post,' a minute of silence, the laying of wreaths, and the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance. Later in the morning, veteran marches and parades take place in cities and towns across Australia, followed by gatherings at local Returned and Services League (RSL) clubs. A unique tradition is the game of two-up, a gambling game played with pennies, which was popular among soldiers during World War I and is legally permitted only on Anzac Day. Additionally, Australians show their respect by wearing red poppies and baking Anzac biscuits, a sweet oat-based cookie originally sent to soldiers abroad. Common greetings include 'Lest We Forget' and 'We will remember them,' phrases that encapsulate the day's reflective and honoring spirit.