What is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand held on 25 April. It marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915.
The word Anzac comes from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, formed during World War I. The Gallipoli campaign lasted about eight months and cost the lives of more than 8,000 Australian soldiers.
Anzac Day was first commemorated in 1916. Over time, it came to honor all Australians who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Dawn services and marches
Many people attend dawn services, held at the time of the original landing. These include the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post bugle call and a minute of silence. Later in the morning, veterans and their families march through city streets.
After the ceremonies, some people play two-up, a traditional gambling game played by soldiers, which is legal on Anzac Day in some states. Many visit pubs and RSL clubs to share stories.
Anzac Day is a public holiday across Australia. Large crowds attend services at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, at shrines in state capitals and at Anzac Cove in Turkey.
Did You Know?
Rosemary is worn on Anzac Day as a symbol of remembrance because it grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula.