Where you can pay your respects while at Sydney!
ANZAC Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) is celebrated on April 25th annually throughout the country of Australia. Marked as a national holiday, it is a day to remember and to commemorate the military troops of Australia and New Zealand who fought and sacrificed their lives while serving their country. The date is the official day the soldiers landed in Turkey in 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula, which was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Why is this day Important to Australians?
The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers onto the Gallipoli Peninsula, but has grown to a much bigger meaning, known as a day of national remembrance. Going through many changes since its first year of celebration, now honoring every serviceman and women who has fallen while in service, with particular focus on World War I. Every individual Australian knows of this national holiday, and understands the significance in remembering this tragic history of their country’s past. It has become to signifcant, that certain symbols have emerged over the years. Red poppies are the official flower of remembrance and are seen placed upon the Memorial’s Roll of Honour. Many wear red poppies pinned to their clothing as a sign of respect. The national ‘ANZAC’ biscuit as well is a popular symbol, and was created for soldiers at war when they needed sustenance to hold up over long periods of travel. The biscuit was created and was a popular food during the war.
How you can pay your Respects
Sydney puts on quite the commemoration for each Anzac Day. Starting with the ANZAC Parade to kick things off, locals and visitors are welcome to join the festivities in the city centre and watch the parade. The parades starts with the march of soldiers and travels from the heart of the city to the War Memorial in Sydney Hyde Park.
You can participate in dawn service, a very important aspect to celebrating the holiday. The dawn service represents the partnership between the soldiers as they woke each day for another day of battle. It’s not uncommon for veterans and other family members share a gunfire breakfast (shot of rum in their coffee) in honour of the fallen soldiers. The reason behind the service at dawn is to shed light on the exact time the soldiers landed in Turkey.
Many companies and businesses close for the day to pay their respects. Because it is a national holiday, many restaurants and cafes that stay open for the public in the city are required to charge a surcharge to stay open on a public holiday. Other remembrance ceremonies are coordinated around the city, including marches and reunions. Veterans get together and hold lunches, parties, and other events to remember those who lost their lives during the historical event.
ANZAC Day is not just celebrated in Australia. There are several ceremonies, parades and events in New Zealand.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.