As Australia and New Zealand commemorate Anzac Day, a century of remembrance has evolved to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers beyond Gallipoli.
The anniversary of Australia’s and New Zealand’s military losses during World War I, known as Anzac Day, was marked with various ceremonies across both countries. The day serves as a tribute to all troops from Australia and New Zealand who have served in war or conflict.
Anzac Day is a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, commemorating the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli Peninsula during World War I.
The day marks the landing of ANZAC troops on April 25, 1915.
Each year, Australians and New Zealanders gather to remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors and honor their memories with parades, ceremonies, and dawn services.
In recent times, the day has evolved to honor not only those who fought at Gallipoli but also all military personnel who have served their countries. This shift reflects the growing recognition of the sacrifices made by soldiers beyond the original campaign. The event is now a time for reflection and remembrance of the lives lost.
Major cities across both countries held services to commemorate Anzac Day. In Sydney, approximately 7,500 people attended a dawn service before the annual march of military veterans. Other cities, including Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart, also hosted their own ceremonies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that ‘it is now a century and a decade since the first Anzacs climbed into their boats and rowed into history.‘ He emphasized the importance of coming together to honor those who have served. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also paid tribute, visiting battlefields and cemeteries in Turkey where about 2,800 New Zealand soldiers were killed.
However, not all services went without incident. In Melbourne, hecklers disrupted the ceremony, shouting ‘This is our country‘ and ‘we don’t have to be welcomed.‘ The disruption was particularly hurtful to Indigenous Australians, who had been invited to welcome people to their land as part of the service. Veteran Affairs Minister Matt Keogh condemned the behavior, stating that it was completely unacceptable and not welcome at Anzac Day commemorations.
Indigenous Australians have been living on the continent for at least 65,000 years.
Archaeological evidence suggests that they migrated from the Indonesian archipelago during the last ice age.
There are over 250 distinct languages and more than 600 different clans and language groups across Australia.
The Indigenous population was significantly impacted by European settlement, with many dying from diseases introduced by Europeans to which they had no immunity.
Today, there are approximately 800,000 people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent living in Australia.
Britain’s King Charles III also paid tribute to those who perished during the campaign. His message serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the past and the importance of honoring their memory.
The day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel from Australia and New Zealand, both past and present. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and honoring those who have served their countries with bravery and dedication.
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was formed during World War I.
On April 25, 1915, they landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, in a failed attempt to capture the Dardanelles.
Despite this defeat, the ANZACs demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience.
Their bravery earned them international recognition and admiration.
The ANZAC spirit has since become an integral part of Australian and New Zealand culture, symbolizing mateship, sacrifice, and service.
Each year on Anzac Day, April 25, Australians and New Zealanders commemorate their fallen soldiers with parades, ceremonies, and reflections.
