What is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is one of Australia's most sacred national occasions. It commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the shores of Gallipoli in Turkey on 25 April 1915 during World War I. The bravery and resilience of these troops in the face of adversity shaped Australia's national identity and gave rise to what we now call the Anzac spirit.

Why is Anzac Day Celebrated? 

Anzac Day 2025 will mark 110 years since the first Gallipoli landing. It is celebrated not as a glorification of war, but as a solemn day of respect  for those who fought and died in military service. Australians and New Zealanders use this day to reflect on the courage, mateship, and sacrifice of our veterans and to honour all who have served in conflicts past and present.

How is Anzac Day Celebrated in Australia?

Across the country, Anzac Day is observed through various meaningful traditions:

• Dawn Services: Held before sunrise at war memorials, these gatherings represent the quiet time of the original Gallipoli landings.
  
  
• Veterans’ Marches: Parades and marches in major cities and regional towns celebrate the legacy of our service men and women.
  
  
• Laying of Wreaths: Flowers are laid at memorials to honour the fallen.
  
  
• The Last Post and The Ode: Ceremonial bugle calls and poetic readings mark moments of reflection.
  
  

From small towns to capital cities, Australians gather in solidarity on Anzac Day 2025 to honour those who gave so much.

"Lest We Forget" is more than a phrase, it's a national promise. Anzac Day is about remembering not just the fallen but also those who returned and the families who bore the cost of war. We wear rosemary sprigs, light candles, and pause in silence to pay tribute. Remembrance ceremonies are held in schools, aged care homes, RSL clubs, and public spaces.

When Did Anzac Day Start?

The first Anzac Day was observed on 25 April 1916, just one year after the Gallipoli landing. Over time, it evolved to include remembrance for Australians who served in all wars, not just World War I. By 1927, it became a public holiday in all states and territories.

What is the Tradition of Anzac Day?

Anzac Day traditions hold strong across generations:

• Attending dawn services
  
  
• Wearing medals and poppies
  
  
• Reciting The Ode
  
  
• Two-up games (a gambling tradition played by diggers during WWI)
  
  
• Sharing stories with younger generations
  
  

These customs form a bridge between the past and the present, keeping the Anzac legacy alive.

Anzac Day Biscuits and Their History

One of the most beloved Anzac Day traditions is the baking and sharing of Anzac biscuits. These oat-based, golden treats were originally made by wives and families during the war and sent to soldiers overseas. The recipe contained no eggs, ensuring the biscuits stay fresh during long sea voyages.

Still popular today, Anzac biscuits are a sweet symbol of care, comfort, and the homefront's role in wartime support.

What Food is Eaten on Anzac Day Traditionally?

Apart from Anzac biscuits, food traditions on Anzac Day include:

• Gunfire breakfast: A simple early morning meal of tea or coffee with rum, often served after dawn services.
  
  
• Meat pies and sausage rolls: Commonly served at local RSL clubs or community gatherings.
  
  
• BBQs: Many Australians host or attend BBQs after services or marches, bringing communities together.
  
  

While the day is solemn, food becomes a way of connecting, sharing memories, and fostering mateship.

Conclusion: 

As Anzac Day 2025 approaches, Australians are once again reminded of the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of our armed forces. Whether it’s through a quiet dawn service, a heartfelt family meal, or simply baking a batch of Anzac biscuits, we each have a role to play in keeping the Anzac spirit alive.

Let us come together to honour those who served—and those still serving—so that the freedoms we enjoy today are never taken for granted.

What is Anzac Day and why is it celebrated?

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, observed annually on 25 April. It commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. The day is celebrated to honour the sacrifice, bravery, and mateship of all Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in military conflicts. Anzac Day 2025 continues this tradition of reflection, respect, and national pride.

What are the facts about Anzac Day?

Here are some key facts about Anzac Day:

• The first Anzac Day was observed on 25 April 1916.
  
  
• Gallipoli campaign was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces.
  
  
• Dawn services symbolise the time of the original landing.
  
  
• "Lest We Forget" is recited across services to honour fallen soldiers.
  
  
• Anzac Day has evolved to remember those who served in all wars and peacekeeping missions.
  
  
• It is a public holiday across all Australian states and territories.

How do you show respect on Anzac Day?

Australians show respect on Anzac Day by participating in:

• Dawn services and veterans’ marches.
  
  
• Observing one minute of silence at 11 am.
  
  
• Wearing red poppies or rosemary sprigs.
  
  
• Attending memorial events or watching televised ceremonies.
  
  
• Sharing stories of veterans and Anzac traditions with younger generations.
  
  

These acts help keep the Anzac spirit alive and honour those who have served our country.

What is the fun fact about Anzac Biscuits?

A fun fact about Anzac biscuits is that they were originally made without eggs so they wouldn’t spoil during the long journey to soldiers overseas. Families baked them using simple ingredients like oats, golden syrup, and coconut. Today, Anzac biscuits remain a popular treat and symbol of support from the homefront during wartime.

What are the two main symbols of Anzac Day?

The two main symbols of Anzac Day are:

Red Poppy : A symbol of remembrance and sacrifice, often worn on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

Rising Sun Badge : Worn by Australian soldiers, it represents honour, service, and loyalty and is closely linked to the identity of the Australian Army.