This Anzac Day, honour the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on the consequences of war
Anzac Day, recognised annually on 25 April, is a day of national significance in Australia. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in World War I.
On 25 April 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – known as ‘Anzacs’ – formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. The plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. More than 8000 Australian soldiers were killed.
Anzac Day has since become a day on which Australians reflect on the sacrifice of everyone who has served our country in war, and to recognise all current and former men and women of our Defence Force.
Current terrible events in Ukraine will add an extra dimension to this year’s reflections on the devastation of war.
How you can commemorate Anzac Day
Dawn marks the time of the original Gallipoli landing, so many Australians attend commemorative Dawn Services across the nation:
- The Dawn Service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance will begin at 5.30am. If you’d like to attend in person, there are no restrictions on numbers and you don’t need to book ahead.
- If you’re not in Melbourne, you can attend an RSL service in your local community.
- A National Ceremony is held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and broadcast live across Australia on ABC TV and iView.
- You can also ‘Light up the dawn’ by holding a candle in your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room at 6am.
Later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen take part in marches through the country’s capital cities and regional centres.
You can also mark the day by:
- Donating to our veterans or buying a commemorative pin. Donate to the RSL online via anzacappeal.com.au, or buy a badge/pen in person 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 – it’s significant because 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 Anzac Day
Deakin is closed on Monday 25 April for the Anzac Day public holiday, although the library is open at the following times:
- Burwood: 8am–9pm
- Waurn Ponds: 10am–5pm; staffed: 1–5pm
- Waterfront: 10am–5pm; staffed: 1–5pm
- Warrnambool: 1–5pm
- Library Chat or phone service: 8am–9pm.
The University will reopen as normal on Tuesday 26 April.