Anzac Day

Anzac Day History

Anzac Day is a solemn day of remembrance to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died during World War I, specifically in the Gallipoli Campaign. Over the years, the significance of Anzac Day has broadened to recognize the service and sacrifice of soldiers in all conflicts involving the two countries. As former member-nations of the British Empire and members of the Commonwealth today, Australia and New Zealand continue to maintain strong military ties with Canada.

The Gallipoli Campaign, which began on April 25, 1915, holds particular relevance for Canadians. Alongside Australian and New Zealand forces, Canadian soldiers also served under the larger umbrella of the British Empire during World War I. Many Canadians commemorate the sacrifices made by the ANZAC soldiers, as their bravery mirrors the deep-rooted legacy of military service that Canada also takes immense pride in. As these nations share not only historical but also contemporary military ties, understanding and appreciating Anzac Day helps promote camaraderie among their peoples.

Anzac Day is commemorated by Australian and New Zealand expatriates residing in Canada, as well as those who share the sentiment of honoring the soldiers' sacrifices. There are events and memorial services held on April 25th in various Canadian cities, including Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver, allowing Canadians to participate and pay their respects.

Top facts about Anzac Day

• ANZAC is an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
• The most important tradition of ANZAC Day is the Dawn Service held in both New Zealand and Australia. Traditionally only attended by veteran's and current military, a stand to and two minutes of silence would be followed by a bugler blast, the Last Post, and completed with Reveille.
• The first Anzac Day commemorations in Canada took place in 1916, just a year after the fateful Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.
• Both Canadian and ANZAC forces were awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross during the First World War for their bravery and service. Among these recipients were William Hall, Canadian Navy; John Bernard Croak, 13th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; and Albert Jacka, who was the first Australian to receive the Victoria Cross in the First World War.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Anzac Day

Top things to do for Anzac Day in Canada

• Visit the an Australian War Memorial in Campbell (suburb of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory).
• Place red poppies besides the names of family members contained on the Memorial Roll of Honour.
• Pay your respects by visiting war memorials or cenotaphs in your area. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand soldiers during World War I and subsequent conflicts.
• Get together with friends or family to honor Anzac Day. Share stories, watch documentaries or movies related to the Anzacs, and enjoy traditional Australian or New Zealand food and drinks like Anzac biscuits or Pavlova.