ANZAC Day A bit of Background

Today is ANZAC day. This day is the most important national day of commemoration in Australia.

ANZAC Day – 25 April – marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and the soldiers in those forces became known as ANZACs.
Australians and New Zealanders celebrate this day of commenoration all around the world no matter where they are based. The memory of this day is so clearly defined in our past, our memories and our hearts.

We all know so well the sacrifice that these young men made.

Why is ANZAC day so special to Australians and New Zealanders?
Australia had only been a federal commonwealth for fourteen years when war broke out in 1914. Eager to establish a reputation in world standing, the national government sent troops to join the fray.

In 1915, soldiers from Australia and New Zealand formed part of the allied expedition that was sent over to capture the Gallipoli peninsula which would allow the allied navies entrance through the Black Sea.

The soldiers were to capture Constantinople ( now Istanbul), which was the capital of the Ottoman Empire and a close ally of Germany.

When the troops landed at Gallipoli on 25th April they met fierce resistance from the Turkish army, and the battle plan to knock Turkey quickly out of the war, became a stalemate that dragged on for eight long months.

Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured appalling hardships. Over 8000 Australian soldiers lost their lives. The troops were evacuated at the end of 1915 and the stories from the landing at Gallipoli had such a profound impact on Australians at home and 25th April became the day on which all Australians remember the sacrifices of those involved in the war.

Although the objective was not met, the bond between our nations was strengthened as the spirit of the ANZACs lives on.