When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only fourteen years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. On 25 April 1915, Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in an expedition to open the way to the black see for allied navies.
It was the start of a campaign that lasted eight months and resulted in some 25,000 Australian casualties, including 8,700 who were killed or died of wounds or disease.
The men who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula created a legend, adding the word ‘Anzac’ to the Australian and New Zealand vocabularies and creating the notion of the Anzac spirit.
In 1916, the first anniversary of the landing was observed in Australia, New Zealand and England and by troops in Egypt. That year, 25 April was officially named ‘Anzac Day’ by the Acting Prime Minister, George Pearce.
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and
in the morning.
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget
Comments
Michele (April 25th, 2005, 4:08 am)
In Italy April 25th is the Liberation Day. I guess these are completely opposite events: a sad day for Australia and New Zealand, but a happy day for Italy…
What do you usually do on that day?
Chris Boulton (April 25th, 2005, 10:01 am)
These days though it’s not treated as a sad day, throughout the country there are numerous celebrations and activities. There are dawn services at round 5am in the morning, the time when the troops landed, as well as the Anzac march in the city (Sydney CBD).
For most people, we don’t really do anything however..
Cool Rik (April 27th, 2005, 5:58 am)
in portugal it was a day of Liberation Day
with a new goverment a great day fo our country