It will be the 102nd anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and the 101st anniversary of Anzac Day. The words ‘Lest We Forget’ are often spoken this day. For international students in Australia, this will be a valuable opportunity to learn more about Australian history and to enjoy the atmosphere of this day of remembrance.
1. What is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day falls on April 25th every year and marks the anniversary of the landing by Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli (Turkey) in 1915. It has been a public holiday in Australia since 1927. ANZAC is formed from the initial letters of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. It is the first big military action fought by Australians and by New Zealanders, and the first big nationhood demonstration by both countries.
2. Who were the Anzacs?
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| Image via The Australia |
The Anzacs were originally meant to refer to men who were at the landing and fought at Gallipoli, but it later meant any Australian or New Zealand soldier in World War I (WWI). And now Anzacs have been those who lost their lives in all Australian military and peacekeeping operations.
3. What is Anzac Day’s motto?
Its motto is ‘Lest We Forget’. This phrase is uttered after the reading of the Ode of Remembrance, a poem called ‘For the Fallen’ (by Laurence Binyon in 1914). The main, the fourth and middle verse of the poem is quoted at Anzac Day ceremonies and other remembrance ceremonies.
“They shall not grow old, 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.”
4. What is the Anzac spirit?
The Anzac spirit is what is focused on in the Anzac Day. It was put into words by Sir William Deane, Australia's Governor-General on ANZAC Day 1999:
“Anzac is not merely about loss. It is about courage, and endurance, and duty, and love of country, and mateship, and good humour and the survival of a sense of self-worth and decency in the face of dreadful odds.”
5. Why is Anzac Day important?
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