Anzac Day, observed on the 25th of April each year, is a National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand1. This solemn day commemorates 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".

The Origin of Anzac Day

The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs1. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula1. The objective was to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies by capturing Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Army commanded by Mustafa Kemal.

The Significance of Anzac Day

Despite ending in military defeat, the Gallipoli landings signaled that New Zealand was becoming a distinct nation, even as it fought on the other side of the world in the name of the British Empire. Anzac Day was first observed in 19162. The ceremonies that are held at war memorials up and down New Zealand, and in places overseas where New Zealanders gather, are modelled on a military funeral and remain rich in tradition and ritual.

In Australia, Anzac Day is one of the 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 Day Today

Today, Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in war and on operational service past and present. The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mate ship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. On this day, let us remember the brave soldiers who fought for their countries. Let us honour their service and sacrifice and let us strive to carry forward the values for which they stood.