Australian and New Zealand Army Corps…This is what this day is for. A day to honour the valour of 60,000 Australians who died during the war and peacekeeping operations. ANZAC Day is an annual celebration, held every 25th day of April. A day which marks the anniversary and celebration of the first military action by the Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. And like the other wars, a lot of people and soldiers lost their lives for the love of service and country.
Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915.
It is the day on which we remember all Australians who served and died in war
and on operational service past and present. The spirit of Anzac, with its
qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning
and relevance for our sense of national identity.
How do the Australians celebrate this day? Are there any traditional activities being observed for this commemorative event? For many people, Anzac’s celebration starts before sunrise and continues towards the end of the day. In most capital cities and towns in Australian, a dawn service is done as is being observed until now. People gather together at dawn to offer a minute of silence as they remember the heroic deeds and the service of the ANZACS. A minute of silence is also a sign of respect and gratitude to all those who served and and offered their life for service. A bigger service is also being conducted by the chaplain, where hymns, readings, and rifle volleys are being performed. One of the well-known symbol during the Anzac day is the rosemary. Rosemary is an aromatic herb which is believed to improve memories. What’s more, the rosemary are found growing wild in Gallipoli peninsula, the place where the Anzacs landed. A special kind of biscuit was also named after the Anzacs. The Anzac biscuit. A hard biscuit which is used as a substitute for bread during the war. And until now, Anzac biscuits are still made. Some veterans and organizations to raise funds. Lastly, the Anzac day celebration will never be complete without the Anzac Day March. This is usually participated by the veterans, family members and relatives of the service personnel who have died or are too weak to participate during the march. A war medal is being worn on the left side by to whom the medal is issued to, while relatives wear the medal on the right side.
Celebrations may change as time passes by. The old way of commemorating the Anzac day maybe different on how it is celebrated today. However, no matter how it is celebrated today, the real essence of the Anzac day should never be forgotten. It’s not a day for bountiful celebration but a day of giving respect and honour.
Info source:
https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day
https://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2014-04-24/anzac-day-traditions/1299878
https://www.army.gov.au/our-history/traditions/anzac-day
https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day/traditions
