Every 25th of April, a wave of solemnity washes over Australia as the nation observes ANZAC Day. It’s a time when we remember the fearless ANZAC soldiers who landed at Gallipoli in World War I. But how did this day come to hold such a significant place in the hearts of Australians?
Join us in this article as we uncover the origins of ANZAC Day, watching it grow from a day of military memories to a heartfelt national observance. We’ll explore the rich traditions and the deep impact this day has on Australia’s identity and spirit, bringing to life the stories and sacrifices that have shaped it.
Facts About Anzac Day
- Anzac is an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
- It invokes a location where Anzac troops landed - Gallipoli, not an actual town.
- All Anzacs volunteered to fight, but Aboriginal volunteers were rejected.
- Anzac biscuits were meant to prevent malnutrition in battle, but they were often too hard to eat.
Anzac Day Background
By 1915, Australia had been independent of the United Kingdom for 14 years. So, when the call came to help British forces fight the Ottoman armies, many Australians accepted that as a legitimate call to defend king and country. Also, as a new nation, we were keen to build our global standing as a country.
It seems rather strange that Australians would find themselves doing battle where the European continent met the Asian landmass.
But only until we remember that, though we had independence, Australia was still a dominion of the British Empire. Thus, to support Britain, Australia declared war on Germany and its allies, one of which was the Ottoman Empire.
Troops from the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) had been in Egypt since mid-August, 1914, training for combat. New Zealand Expeditionary Forces (NZEF) fighters were there too. They didn't combine forces to become Anzacs organically, though. This is how they came together:
- General William Bridges, commander of the AIF, dies in combat in May 1915.
- Squabbles erupt in the AIF chain of command.
- General William Birdwood, commander of the NZEF brigades, takes charge of AIF brigades.
- Australian and New Zealand brigades combine into the Anzac fighting force.
Australians had excellent logistics systems, but they weren't experienced fighters. That explains their high casualty rates. Of the more than 56 000 allied forces deaths, 8 709 were Australian - a catastrophically high loss. As word of the lost got back to Australia, our nation plunged into grief.
The first Anzac Day events were for mourning our lost.
Today, it’s to remember the cost of war and study how not to fight another one.
Of all Australia's public holidays, Anzac Day is perhaps the most formal. That makes it a bit harder to engage children, because we've no fun events for them to participate in.
Still, everyone - officials and families, do their best to impress upon our youngest citizens the gravity of the day. And, how important it is that we remember past battles, especially in today's fraught times.
When Was the First Anzac Day?
The first commemoration took place on September 7 1915, in Adelaide. Melbourne observed its first Anzac Remembrance Day on 17 December, 1915, and Queensland had its ceremony on 10 January 1916. That same year, April 25 was officially proclaimed national Anzac Day.
The History of Anzac Day
Out of the states' various events marking the tragedy, one consensus emerged. The day of the landing must be the day we commemorate. The first formal Anzac Day was 25 April 1916. Around the country, people marched. In Sydney, a parade of cars drove through the streets, bearing wounded veterans and their nurses.
The First World War raged for another two years. For that time, Anzac Day events served to rally the public to the war effort. Often, they doubled as recruiting campaigns.
The Australian government twice posed a referendum to the public (in 1916, and again in 1917). The question was whether Australia should institute mandatory military service - conscription.
Both times, the citizens voted against the initiative. So, all military activity depended on volunteer service. Hence, recruitment activities, while patriotic fervour was at its peak. After the war ended, Anzac Day went through many changes.
1920s
All of Australia unites in a national commemoration.
1927
Anzac Day becomes a public holiday.
mid-1930s
All the commemoration rituals are established.
The dawn services, the memorials, the marches.
1942
First Anzac Day commemoration at The Memorial.
Events expand to include heroes of the Second World War.
1950s
Interest in Anzac Day wanes
25 April 1990
Bob Hawke visits Gallipoli.
His trip rekindles interest in the observance.
25 April 2000
John Howard visits Gallipoli.
He returns there in 2005.
2018
Female veterans join the marches
The By the Left initiative launches.
Many films were made about Australia's history in Gallipoli, including Murphy of Anzac and one simply titled Gallipoli. They're all a bit dated, especially the one titled The Hero of the Dardanelles, filmed in 1915. Still, they remind us how much the Anzacs impacted and shaped our culture.
Anzac Meaning Acronym
Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The Anzacs received that name from General Birdwood, who commanded the New Zealand forces in Egypt. As Aussies and New Zealanders fought shoulder to shoulder in Gallipoli, our neighbours remain our brothers and sisters in battle.
The word Anzac is protected. To use it commercially, or officially, one must have permission from the Minister for Veteran Affairs.
When Is Anzac Day
One firm date emerged from the variety of commemorations across the country in 1915-16. The simplest, and most sensible day to remember these fighters' sacrifices is on the day they entered into battle.
We must remember the grief that overwhelmed the nation at the time. Commemorations began as soon as word reached our shores about our losses. It was vital for our government to recognise our sorrow as quickly as possible, to build a sense of unity amidst the mourning.
So, establishing a firm date in the wake of the tragedy cemented Anzac experiences into our national identity.
Anzac Day is on April 25, every year. When it falls on a weekday, schools, businesses, and government offices close. If it falls on the weekend, we don’t get a replacement holiday.
Note that we celebrate our other patriotic public holiday, Australia Day, three months before Anzac Day. Just like Anzac Day, Australia Day's focus has shifted over time, expanding from the struggles to establish the nation.
Today, Australia Day recognises citizens' contributions to our country. Furthermore, where Anzac Day is a solemn occasion, Australia Day events are much livelier.
Why is Anzac day Celebrated on April 25th?
April 25, 1915 is the date that the Anzacs arrived at Gallipoli. The fighting began immediately, as the Anzacs met strong resistance upon landing.
Despite the arrival of fresh fighting forces - the Anzacs, the Entente powers were unable to overcome the Ottoman onslaught. The fighting continued for eight months, during which time Australian contingents suffered substantial losses.
We note that, in 2025, Easter Sunday falls on the 20th of April, in Australia. That's just five days before Anzac Day. Children will have to make quite an adjustment from hunting eggs and eating chocolates to muted observations and formal ceremonies. From this clip, it looks like that won't be a problem.
How Australia Observes Anzac Day
Before daybreak, Australians young and old flock to their cities' war memorials - cenotaphs. These are silent processions; people are well aware of the gravity of the occasion. Many wear red poppies on their lapels, and carry some to place next to their fallen relatives' names.
Each state has its own schedule of events but, generally, Anzac day observations include these events.
- Introducing Anzac Day, welcoming attendees
- Singing a hymn
- A formal speech
- Laying wreathes
- The Last Post - a bugle call signalling the end of activities
- A moment of Silence
- Reveille - a bugle call that signals the end of the silent period
- The National Anthem
Later in the day, people will line the streets for the Veterans' March. Today's Anzac Day honours veterans of all wars, not just the fallen in the battle at Gallipoli.
1. To commemorate the dawn landing at Gallipoli.
2. To mirror the Army’s ‘stand to’ orders, the practice of guarding their posts against dawn attacks.
Aussies spend the time between the day's two major events in various ways. Many tune into the nationally televised ceremony, broadcast at 10 AM, from Canberra. Having a 'gunfire breakfast' and playing two-up are popular pastimes. Reunions and memorial services also feature.
Anzac Day is not a lighthearted, fun celebration, like Australian Christmases are. Nor is it (exactly) a sombre day, when we reflect on those we lost. Instead, it is a solemn time, a day to think heavy thoughts and give humble thanks. Before dawn, no matter the weather conditions, we're ready to pay tribute to our service members, past and present.
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