Why do remember anzac day

After reading such horrors, why then did 36, men volunteer to join the war effort? Win or lose, they wanted to be with their mates. Their country needed them and they wanted to stand up and be counted. The true spirit of the ANZACs — a willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country, their pride and their mates.

They would not let them down, they would fight on until the war was won. Galvanised by the example of courage and sacrifice demonstrated on that bloody battlefield, on the 10th day of January a public meeting of Brisbane citizens voted unanimously to establish the ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee to lay the groundwork for a nationwide, solemn day of public remembrance on the first anniversary of the landings. Traditionally, the 25th of April is set aside as a public holiday for Australians to remember the bravery of the men and women who fought in war.

This event was more of a patriotic carnival designed to raise awareness of, and funds for, the war effort than the solemn commemoration it was to become. Anzac Day as we know it was first observed on 25 April , as people came together to honour those lost at Gallipoli.

In Australia, some state governments organised events to commemorate the occasion—but the Commonwealth, other than naming the day as Anzac Day, did not. By the late s, Anzac Day was a public holiday in every state and territory. This was partly politically motivated, as there was a feeling that people needed steeling for another war.

But despite greater numbers of veterans, by the s its popularity had waned, and many wondered if Anzac Day would survive. The resurgence started in the s and s. With a younger leadership, it has relaxed the rules to be more inclusive. The first commemorative event of Anzac Day is the Dawn Service at 4. It is a ritual and a moment remembered by many veterans. Some debate exists about the first Dawn Service. The morning gun in a garrison town suggested the name probably.

From cities to small towns, the march has long been the centrepiece of Anzac Day. Marches were held during the Great War, and became popular with veterans in the s, to honour lost friends and publicly express comradeship. The RSL organises the marches. It has been relaxed further, with some encouragement or acceptance of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren marching, to assist aged veterans or to represent relatives.

Former soldiers from allied armies have also been allowed to march. The march may be followed by reunions and lunches put on by local establishments. Bets are placed on how two pennies thrown into the air will fall. Families also lay personal tributes. After the formal remembrance services, local RSAs play host to veterans and their families. It is a time for veterans to reunite and reminisce, mix with serving personnel, and relax with family.

Get Support Remember Donate. Ka pai! Full Name. Leave this field blank. You are here Home Anzac Day today: what it means and how to participate. ANZAC Day, 25 April, is the day Australia commemorates with services and marches in cities and towns and throughout the world where servicemen, servicewomen and peacekeepers are stationed, to remember all those who lost their lives in service to their country, in all wars.

Main Menu. Quick Links.