ANZAC DAY
What is ANZAC Day?
Anzac Day is the commemoration of all Australian and New Zealanders killed in war. It is also the day to honour returned servicemen and women. It is no longer observed as a national holiday in Papua New Guinea or Samoa. Anzac Day is a public holiday in New Zealand. Shops and hotels are closed on Anzac Day morning.
What does ANZAC stand for?
ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.
Anzac Day, celebrated on the 25th of April, marks the anniversary of the landing of the Anzacs on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The Anzacs were ordered to capture the Dardanelles, the gateway to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
During the campaign, 87000 Turks, 44000 men from France and British Empire (including 8500 Australians and 2721 New Zealanders). It was, however, a failed campaign as Gallipoli was still at the hands of the Turks at the end of the fighting.
Anzac Day was first marked in 1916 and has undergone many changes since then.
The Anzacs fought many more wars after Gallipoli. They were known as Anzac Mounted Division during the Sinai-Palestine campaign.
A new Anzac Corps was formed during the Greece campaign in 1941. It was the Anzac Battalion during the Vietnam War.
How it is celebrated…
The Anzac Day ceremony of 25 April is rich in tradition and ritual. It is a form of military funeral and follows a particular pattern. The day’s ceremonies have two major parts: one at dawn and another, more public event, later in the morning.
During the dawn service, war veterans and serving personnel gather at memorials and in Returned Services’ Association clubrooms with politicians and dignitaries. The morning event is marked by the Anzac day Parade.
Article: PinoyStop
Ref: nzhistory.net.nz
