April 25th isn’t just another public holiday—it’s a day that brings us together to reflect, remember, and reconnect.
Whether you’re heading to a dawn service, baking a batch of ANZAC biscuits with your kids, or simply taking a moment of silence over your morning coffee, ANZAC Day is one of those uniquely Australian days that carries deep meaning for so many of us.
But what is ANZAC Day, really?
Let’s rewind the clock for a second.
ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and April 25 marks the anniversary of the 1915 landing at Gallipoli during WWI. It was an important moment that shaped our national identity.
ANZAC Day isn’t about glorifying war. It’s about honouring service and sacrifice. It’s about remembering those who served and those who still do.
There are many ways to remember ANZAC Day, and for many of us, it may look a little different than it did for our grandparents. However, the essence remains.
- Attend a dawn service
- Watch the ANZAC Day march in the city or on TV
- Reflect quietly with your family or friends
- Wear a sprig of rosemary, a symbol of commemoration
A Floral Tribute
Whether it’s a small arrangement, a DIY wreath, or a bouquet sent to a loved one who's served, thoughtfully designed floral arrangements create a space for quiet reflection, heartfelt connection, and a tangible way to say, "We remember."
Here are a few wreath styles and their meanings:
- Laurel wreath - laurel symbolises honour and victory, and combined with rosemary or poppies, it is a deeply respectful tribute
- Native floral wreath - using a native Australian flowers adds a grounding, earthy feel. It reflects not just remembrance, but pride in where we come from.
- Modern minimalist wreath - a clean design with symbolic stems like rosemary and poppies can speak volumes in its simplicity.
Here are the most symbolic blooms used on ANZAC Day:
- Rosemary - it grows wild in Gallipoli and has long been associated with memory, which adds a deeper layer of symbolism.
- Red Poppies - the icon of ANZAC Day. It symbolises the bloodshed of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Often worn on lapels, placed on memorials, or woven into wreaths.
- Wattle and Native Blooms - Wattle represents unity and resilience.
This ANZAC Day, let your flowers do the talking. Take a moment to connect—to the past, to each other, and to what truly matters. Because remembrance doesn’t have to be grand, it just has to be heartfelt.
