ANZAC Day - A tribute to the fallen

[Muridin]

What is ANZAC Day?

ANZAC Day - 25 April - is probably Australia's most important national occasion. 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. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day.


Why is this day so special to Australians?

When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only fourteen years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the allied navies. The plan was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany. They landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke 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 after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.

Though the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives of capturing Constantinople and knocking Turkey out of the war, the Australian and New Zealand troops' actions during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an "Anzac legend" became an important part of the national identity of both nations. This shaped the ways they viewed both their past and their future.


The Ode

    They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
    Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
    At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
    We will remember them.

The Last Post

In the military, the Last Post traditionally marks the end of the working day. The Last Post is played to serve as a tribute to the dead.

A Period Of Silence

A period of silence is usually maintained for one minute and is included in the Anzac Day ceremony as a sign of respect. It offers a time for reflection on the significance of the ceremony.

Rouse Or Reveille

Reveille is played in the morning, signalling the start to the day. But at ANZAC Day ceremonies, it is followed after the Last Post and the Mniute of Silence, signifying death then reseruction.

[Luise]

Lest we forget.

[Vengeance]

Indeed...something well for me too, mabye ill get some E....

[un4]

Thanks for sharing; you honor your country.

[Muridin]

/bump

Lest We Forget

[Luise]

I thought of you this morning Muri and went to a church service and watched the march.
On the tomb of the unknown soldier it says:
"No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends"