ANZAC Day 2013: Commemoration Events Held Across the Nation
One of Australia and New Zealand’s most important national occurrences, ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day will be observed across the nation on 25 April. Parades and commemoration services will be held all over the country (and throughout the world) to honour the soldiers who’ve fought to defend their countries, and recognise the sacrifices they’ve made.
The 25th of April was first named ANZAC Day in the year 1916, and that year a range of ceremonies took place the world over, including services in Australia, a march in London, and sports day in the Australian camp in Egypt.
ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the initial major military action fought by New Zealand and Australian forces in World War I.
A Short History of ANZAC Day
In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers joined the allied forces in an attempt to overtake the Gallipoli peninsula, with the overall objective to capture Constantinople, which was at the time the capital of the Ottoman Empire and a German ally.
After eight months of fighting, at the end of 1915, the allied troops were evacuated. Unfortunately, however, they had suffered many casualties. Thousands of soldiers had been killed, and once news reached home, 25 April soon became the day that Australians commemorated the sacrifice of those who died during the war.
Once World War II had come and past, ANZAC Day became the day to remember the lives of the soldiers who died in that war as well.
Today ANZAC Day is nationally commemorated in two ways: dawn services are held across Australia, and formal ceremonies are held at war memorials around the country.
Nationwide ANZAC Day Events
We’ve got a list of commemorative services and events taking place locally to help you join in the observation of this national day of remembrance. Click on the links below for more information.
2013 ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Melbourne
Brisbane ANZAC Day Parade 2013
2013 ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Sydney
ANZAC Day Services around Tasmania
2013 ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Broome
New Zealand 2013 ANZAC Day Commemorations
And if none of those events are close enough for you make it with family or friends, don’t despair. You can always hold your own commemorative service with the people you’re closest with, and pay tribute to the troops we’ve lost in war over the last 100 years.
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