ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served". Observed on 25 April each year, ANZAC Day was originally devised to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli campaign, their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918).
The Origins of ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, which was an ally of Germany during the war. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Army commanded by Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk). What had been planned as a bold strike to knock the Ottomans out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. The Allied deaths totaled over 56,000, including 8,709 from Australia and 2,721 from New Zealand.
The Legacy of ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy. What became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future.
Commemorating ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day is commemorated with dawn services, commemorative marches, remembrance services, and other ceremonies in which veterans participate. The Cook Islands, Tonga, and Samoa also observe the day. In recent years, ANZAC Day has become a more prominent event in the Australian calendar and has seen a rise in public events, political, media and public commentary.
Controversies Surrounding ANZAC Day
Despite its importance as a day of remembrance, ANZAC Day has not been without controversy. Some have expressed concerns that ANZAC Day has become all about yobbo behavior, drinking to excess and playing two-up in the pub until late at night. They thought this detracted from the original spirit of the day and negatively impacted on veteran commemorations and traditions.
The Future of ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day will continue to be observed on 25 April each year as a solemn day of remembrance for those who have fought and died for their country. As time passes and fewer veterans remain to share their stories, it will be up to future generations to ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten.