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Anzac Day

Honor the brave soldiers who fought for our freedom on Anzac Day - attend a memorial service, wear a poppy, or simply take a moment to remember their sacrifices.
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When it is?
April 25
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Category
Federal
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Country
Australia
Introduction

Mark your calendars for April 25, because it's time to honor and remember the brave soldiers of Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day! This special day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli during World War I. It is also a day to celebrate the ANZAC spirit of courage, mateship, and sacrifice that has been ingrained in the countries' national identity. From dawn services to parades and traditional food, there are many ways to pay tribute to this significant historical event. So let's come together as a community and show our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our ANZACs. Lest we forget.

History of Anzac Day

Anzac Day Dates

Anzac Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1915</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ANZAC Landing at Gallipoli</div><div class='timeline-text'>On 25 April, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in an unsuccessful campaign that resulted in heavy casualties.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1916</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Anzac Day Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Anzac Day was commemorated with a variety of events in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, including church services and parades.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Anzac Day Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>Australia's Anzac Day Act was passed, making it a full public holiday for the first time.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1927</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dawn Services Instituted</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official dawn services were held at war memorials on Anzac Day, reflecting the comradeship that the soldiers experienced as they woke for battle at dawn.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Anzac Day in Turkey</div><div class='timeline-text'>For the first time, Turkey officially recognized Anzac Day and allowed memorial services to be held at Gallipoli where the ANZAC soldiers had fought.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>From this year, Anzac Day activities and remembrances expanded to include recognition of all Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who served and sacrificed their lives in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Anzac Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a dawn service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start the day by attending a dawn service to honor and remember the sacrifices made by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. It is a traditional way to commemorate Anzac Day and pay respects to those who served.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Bake Anzac biscuits</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of Anzac Day by baking some traditional Anzac biscuits. These oat-based biscuits were originally sent to soldiers during the war and are still enjoyed today as a symbol of the ANZAC spirit.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a war memorial</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to visit a local war memorial and pay your respects to those who have served in the armed forces. You can also lay a wreath or poppy as a symbol of remembrance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch an Anzac Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold Anzac Day parades to honor and remember those who have served. Attend one in your local area or tune in to a televised parade to show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a game of Two-up</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Two-up is a traditional gambling game played on Anzac Day, where two coins are tossed into the air and players bet on how they will land. Gather some friends and family and have a friendly game to commemorate the day.</p></div></div>

Why Anzac Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the sacrifices and bravery of soldiers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Anzac Day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the Australian and New Zealand troops who fought in World War I. It's a day to reflect on the courage, resilience, and selflessness of those who served and gave their lives for their country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Anzac Day is a national holiday in Australia and New Zealand. It is a time when communities come together to attend dawn services, marches, and other commemorative events. It's a day to remember not only the soldiers, but also the families and loved ones affected by war.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It teaches important historical lessons</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Anzac Day is an opportunity for younger generations to learn about the sacrifice made by their ancestors and understand the impact of war on society. Through educational programs and ceremonies, Anzac Day helps to keep this important part of history alive and ensures that the lessons learned are not forgotten.</p></div></div>

5 Uncovered Facts about Anzac Day Courage

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Anzac Day Coin: A Symbol of Respect</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Australia and New Zealand, a special "Anzac" coin is issued every year to commemorate the occasion. These coins are legal tender and often feature designs related to military history, making them a collector's item.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Last Post: A Mournful Tune for Heroes</h3><p class='facts-content'>The 'Last Post', a bugle call signifying the end of the day's activities, is performed at Anzac Day dawn services as a tribute to the fallen soldiers. It symbolizes the eternal sleep of the fallen and their safe return to camp.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Poppy Day: The Flower of Remembrance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although not universally adopted, Poppy Day is observed in some regions of Australia and New Zealand close to Anzac Day. The red poppy flower, a symbol linked to battlefield regeneration, honors fallen soldiers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Female Anzac Day March Participant</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although many women served during World War I, they were not always recognized. It was not until 1975 that a woman first officially participated in the Anzac Day march in Australia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Anzac Biscuits: More Than Just a Treat</h3><p class='facts-content'>Besides their delicious taste, Anzac biscuits hold historical significance. Made from ingredients that did not spoil easily, these biscuits were sent to soldiers by their loved ones during World War I. Today, they serve as a reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of those at home.</p></div></div>

Anzac Day FAQs

When is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is celebrated on April 25 every year. In 2024 Anzac Day will occur on a Thursday.

Anzac Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Apr 25

Tuesday

2024

Apr 25

Thursday

2025

Apr 25

Friday

2026

Apr 25

Saturday

2027

Apr 25

Sunday

Federal Holidays