Anzac Day: Honour & Remember - Things To Do This Year

23 August 2024

Commemorate ANZAC Day with dawn services, parades, and special events. Reflect on history, honour veterans, and enjoy family activities.

Things to Do on Anzac Day

Understanding Anzac Day

Anzac Day, observed on April 25th each year, is a significant national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. It commemorates the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops at Gallipoli, Turkey, during World War I. While the Gallipoli campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, it solidified the ANZAC legend, embodying the courage, mateship, and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Anzac Day is a time for reflection, honoring those who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

The day is marked by solemn ceremonies and events across both countries. Dawn services, often held at war memorials or cenotaphs, are a central element of Anzac Day. These services typically involve the raising of the Australian and New Zealand flags, the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, and the laying of wreaths. Other events throughout the day may include parades, church services, and community gatherings. Anzac Day is a deeply personal experience for many, offering a chance to pay respects, remember loved ones, and reflect on the enduring legacy of sacrifice.

Commemorative Events

Dawn Services

Dawn services are the most prominent Anzac Day events, held at the crack of dawn across Australia and New Zealand. These services are imbued with a sense of solemnity and remembrance. The key elements of a Dawn Service typically include:

• Flag Raising: The Australian and New Zealand flags are raised to honor the fallen soldiers and their sacrifices.
• Last Post: The haunting melody of the Last Post is played, signaling the end of a soldier's duty and the beginning of their eternal rest.
• Reveille: Following the Last Post, Reveille is played, symbolizing the call to duty and the spirit of those who continue to serve.
• Wreath Laying: Representatives from various organizations, including veterans' groups, government officials, and community members, lay wreaths at the memorial, signifying respect and remembrance.
• Speeches and Readings: Addresses are delivered by dignitaries or veterans, reflecting on the significance of Anzac Day and the sacrifices made by those who served.
• Ode of Remembrance: The Ode of Remembrance, a poem written by Rudyard Kipling, is recited in unison by the attendees, a powerful reminder of those who have perished.
• National Anthem: The Australian or New Zealand national anthem is sung, representing the unity and patriotism of the nations.
• Two-Up: Traditionally, a game of two-up, a coin toss gambling game popular with soldiers, is played following the Dawn Service. It symbolizes camaraderie and a lighter moment after the solemnity of the ceremony.

Dawn services are held at various locations, including war memorials, cenotaphs, and other significant sites. These events draw large crowds, with people gathering to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served. The atmosphere at a Dawn Service is often one of quiet contemplation and deep emotion.

Parades

Parades are another significant feature of Anzac Day celebrations, held in major cities and towns across Australia and New Zealand. These parades are a visual display of remembrance, featuring veterans, current service personnel, marching bands, and community groups. They showcase the pride and solidarity of the nation in honoring its military heritage. Parades are typically held in the morning or early afternoon, following the Dawn Service.

Parades are often a poignant spectacle, with veterans walking alongside current service personnel, their uniforms a testament to the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice. The atmosphere is usually one of respect and appreciation, with onlookers cheering and waving flags in recognition of the participants' contributions.

Church Services

Church services are a significant part of Anzac Day observances for many people, offering a spiritual reflection on the themes of sacrifice, remembrance, and peace. Churches across Australia and New Zealand hold special Anzac Day services, typically featuring hymns, prayers, and readings related to the day's significance.

These services provide a space for individuals to connect with their faith and find solace in remembrance. They offer a reminder of the human cost of war and the need for peace and reconciliation. Church services are often attended by families, veterans, and community members, creating a shared experience of remembrance and reflection.

Other Ways to Participate

While Dawn services, parades, and church services are the traditional ways to mark Anzac Day, there are numerous other ways to participate in the day's significance.

Visit a War Memorial

Visiting a war memorial or cenotaph is a powerful way to pay respects to those who have served and died in conflicts. These memorials often feature inscriptions, plaques, and sculptures that commemorate specific battles, campaigns, or individuals. Spending time at a war memorial allows for quiet reflection and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their country.

Attend a Community Event

Many communities hold smaller Anzac Day events, such as morning teas, barbecues, or concerts. These gatherings provide opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends, share stories, and reflect on the significance of Anzac Day in a more casual setting. These events often feature live music, refreshments, and displays of historical artifacts, creating a sense of shared remembrance.

Learn About Anzac History

Taking the time to learn about the history of the ANZACs is a meaningful way to honor their legacy. This could involve visiting museums, reading books, watching documentaries, or engaging with online resources. Understanding the stories of those who served, their experiences in the trenches, and the sacrifices they made, provides a deeper appreciation for the significance of Anzac Day.

Share Stories and Memories

For those with family members who served in the military, sharing stories and memories is a powerful way to keep their legacy alive. These stories can offer personal insights into the experiences of those who served, their sacrifices, and the impact of war on their lives. Sharing these stories with younger generations helps to ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten.

Contribute to Veterans' Organizations

Supporting veterans' organizations is a tangible way to show appreciation for those who have served. This could involve donating to charities that support veterans, volunteering at local veteran centers, or participating in events that raise awareness and funds for veterans' causes.

The Importance of Anzac Day

Anzac Day is not just a commemoration of a historical event, it is a day to honor the enduring spirit of courage, mateship, and sacrifice that defines the Australian and New Zealand character. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served in all conflicts, to acknowledge the impact of war on individuals and families, and to reaffirm the values of peace and reconciliation.

Anzac Day is a time for remembrance, for reflection, and for appreciation. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country, and a call to honor their legacy by upholding the values they embodied. By participating in Anzac Day events, sharing stories, and remembering those who have served, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.