Tomorrow is ANZAC Day: we honour the memory of those brave men and women
ANZAC Day is a day of national significance in Australia and is recognised annually on 25 April. 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, with soldiers in those forces often referred to as ‘Anzacs’.
What is the historical significance of ANZAC Day?
When Britain declared war in August 1914, Australia was automatically involved as an ally of the Commonwealth. On the 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula, in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany.
The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.
At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated, but not before both sides suffered heavy casualties. More than 8000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians at home. The 25th of April has now become a day on which Australians reflect on the sacrifice of those who died in the war and show public gratitude.
What does ANZAC Day mean today?
Internationally, there are key traditional ceremonies and symbols associated with ANZAC Day. On 25 April every year, Australians and New Zealanders gather both at home and abroad to commemorate not just those who died in the war, but to recognise all current and former men and women of our Defence Force.
At home, many Australians attend commemorative Dawn Services across the nation (dawn marks the time of the original Gallipoli landing), while later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen meet to take part in marches through the country’s capital cities and regional centres. There is also a National Ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra each ANZAC Day.
How can I pay my respects on ANZAC Day?
In Victoria, the Dawn Service at Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne is considered the ‘home of commemoration’ and is traditionally widely attended. In light of COVID-19 precautions, all Victorians are encouraged to watch the livestreamed Dawn Service from 5.40am on Sunday 25 April on either the Shrine website or social channels (please note limited tickets to attend the Dawn Service at the Shrine have been allocated).
You may also wish to attend any ceremonies or marches in your local region but please check any health and safety/COVID-19 requirements ahead of time.
Other than attending a ceremony or gathering, you may wish to mark the day alongside other Australians by:
- Donating to our veterans online or purchasing a commemorative pin. You can donate to the Returned Services League (RSL) online via anzacappeal.com.au, or purchase a badge/pen in person on the day from your friendly local RSL representatives – you’ll see them set up around town or sitting by your local supermarket.
- Donning a sprig of rosemary. Rosemary is often worn on ANZAC Day (and Remembrance Day on 11 November), a herb which is of particular significance as it grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula and is believed to help aid memory.
- Baking or enjoying some Anzac biscuits. Friends and families of Anzacs would send these delicious treats (originally known as ‘Soldier’s biscuits’) to the frontline as they travelled well and retained their high nutritional value for long periods without refrigeration.
Remember: Deakin is closed on Monday 26 April
Please note that Deakin University will be closed on Monday 26 April for the public holiday following ANZAC Day (Sunday 25 April). The University will re-open as normal the following day on Tuesday 27 April.