With ANZAC fast approaching on April 25, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the significance of the occasion.
As a company that’s proud to be Australian owned and operated, Solargain acknowledges the sacrifice thousands of men and women have made (and continue to make) to protect our country and make it great.
Today ANZAC Day has come to embody the many different meanings of war. The purpose of the day is to remember all Australians and New Zealanders ‘who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations’ – it’s no longer confined to the First World War, although that’s where it originates.
The day of ANZAC (that is, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) observes the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The 25th was officially named ANZAC Day in 1916.
Of particular significance (and rarity) is the fact that Australia and New Zealand share the holiday, using the same name and same date of remembrance. There are plenty of other fascinating components that make up ANZAC Day. Here are a few:
- Today many Australians got to a dawn service to remember the ANZACs –though they used to be attended solely by veterans. Now, dawn services are frequented by thousands across the country in the wee hours of the morning.
- ANZAC biscuits are a delicious treat today, but during the famous Gallipoli battle, the long-lasting biscuits made from oats, sugar, flour, coconut, butter and golden syrup were used as a vital substitute for bread.
- Rosemary often makes an appearance on ANZAC Day as it’s found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula.
- The Last Post was usually played during war to inform soldiers that fighting had ended for the day. Now it’s a staple of memorial services, symbolising that the duty of the dead has finished.
- The phrase "lest we forget" accompanies most ANZAC Day commemorations and is used to remind us of the importance to remember those who’ve served, fought and died for our country.
For more information about ANZAC Day check out this link or go to your official city website to find out about dawn services happening around you.
Lest We Forget.
Solargain
