Commemorating Anzac
Anzac Day is arguably Australia's most significant anniversary. Celebrated on 25 April, the day dates from the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 to fight the Turks during the First World War.
There is a formality about the day's early proceedings. At dawn, there is a service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and at cenotaphs in each state and territory. Wreaths are laid and a lone bugler plays 'The Last Post' at each venue. The service is followed by a march of returned servicemen and women from the two world wars and the Vietnam War, with transport provided for the disabled. Veterans, and sometimes their relatives, then devote the remainder of the day to reminiscence and a celebration of the fallen.
Although there are now almost none of the original 'Anzacs' alive, the day has lost none of its significance and, increasingly, Australians are visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula to commemorate the landing and the subsequent battles, with all their awful losses and conspicuous displays of heroism, at the actual site.


