ANZAC Day - 25 April 2020

Attention all,

ANZAC Day is a one of Australia's most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

ANZAC stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corps, and the soldiers in those forces quickly became known as Anzacs.

The ANZACs landed at Gallipoli on the 25th of April, 1915, meeting heavy resistance from Ottoman forces.The campaign dragged on for 8 long months, killing more than 8000 Australian soldiers. The campaign had a profound impact on Australians at home, and the 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed it's military objectives, the actions of the Anzacs left a powerful legacy. What became known as the Anzac Legend became an important part of both nations, shaping the way they viewed their past, and future. 

Usually, Australians and New Zealanders would usually go to RSL (Returned Services League) buildings and attend the dawn/day service there, whilst also having a bit to eat. But this year will be like no ANZAC day we've seen before. Due to COVID-19 and the self-isolation laws, Australians have been invited to mark ANZAC Day in a safe and special way.

To acknowledge the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, join the National Commemorative Service line at 0530 hours this ANZAC Day. This will include a minute of silence at around 0600 hours, so you can pay your respects wherever you may be.

“This year ANZAC Day will be different than in years gone by, but I argue is one that may hold more importance. This year is a time when we can’t be present at our local cenotaph showing our support to local veterans and paying respect to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice. However, this year is a time when we can show the solidarity with our veterans and portray the best of Australian values as [a] community.”

Just a reminder, that this is not compulsory of course, and is even less compulsory if you're in a non-Commonwealth country such as the US. But if you do wish to celebrate this day, here are the instructions:

On Saturday, 25th April

Head out onto your patio, driveway, or balcony

Be in uniform (if you are in the military etc) or in neat civilian attire.

At 0530, tune into ABC radio (or listen to the recording of it online)

If you are in uniform, you may salute while both (Australia and New Zealand) national anthems are played

and the Last Post, but not the minute of silence or rouse.

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Again, if you do not wish to do this, that is completely fine. You do not have to celebrate this in any way whatsoever, especially if you're in a non-Commonwealth country.

And most importantly:

Lest we forget