ANZAC means Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
ANZAC Day as we know it today was first observed on April 25, 1916, to honour those lost at Gallipoli Peninsula and includes remembering Australians who have served in all military operations. By the 1920s, it became a public holiday and ceremonies were held throughout Australia.
We’ve gathered ways on how you can observe this ANZAC Day this year.
#1 The Dawn Service
Commemorative services are held at dawn as this is the time of the original landing of the Anzacs on Gallipoli. This is usually held at war memorials across the nation.
If you can’t make it to the place where it will be held this year, watch out for the official broadcast.
#2 Wear Rosemary
Rosemary is an important item for Australians on Anzac Day and sometimes on Remembrance Day in November, as it grows on the Gallipoli Peninsula, and because of this it is an emblem of remembrance. Many veterans will wear a sprig on their lapel.
#3 The Gunfire breakfast
After the dawn service, many communities hold a gunfire breakfast. Did you know that ‘gunfire’ refers to the rum-laced coffee that is drunk by the soldiers with their breakfast at the start of their day to help them face the battles?
#4 Play Two-up
Did you know that this tradition originates way back in WWI when Australians played this game in the trenches and on troopships? Also known as ‘swy’, this game is played with 3 or more players, with a ‘spinner’ throwing coins or pennies into the air and players will have to guess which side of the coin will fall.
#5 A wreath or a bouquet of flowers
A traditional gesture, a wreath or a bunch of flowers, which are usually red poppies, are laid on graves in memory of the lost.
