By Mark Coupar
The Anzac Day tradition is one of our most important national occasions and marks the first military action by Australia and New Zealand together.
The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day is gazetted as a national event to recognise and commemorate the contributions of all those who have served Australia in a time of war and warlike conflicts.
Anzac Day is always commemorated on the 25th April since 1916, marking the date that Australians and New Zealanders landed on the Gallipoli Peninsular that was named ANZAC Cove in 1915.
On that day 16,000 people landed, and by day’s end 2,000 had been killed or wounded.
It is a day that brings all Australians together as one. The day’s commemorations start with a Dawn service a – tradition when soldiers guarded their posts as many attacks commenced at dawn.
Services of remembrance and wreath laying are held across our community and offer quiet contemplation, accompanied by the poignant bugle call of the last post.
By then it’s off for a time honored tradition of two-up – but that’s another story…
We offer heartfelt gratitude to all servicemen and women, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation… Lest We Forget.
