We do this because it is the anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the beach at Gallipoli in Türkiye on 25 April 1915. This was the first major military campaign for Australia and New Zealand during the First World War.

Since then, 25 April has been known as Anzac Day. ‘Anzac’ comes from the name Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It was shortened to ANZAC in 1915. Since then, whenever Australians and New Zealanders have served together, they have honoured the bonds of comradeship forged by the original Anzacs.

At Gallipoli, Australians and New Zealanders served with soldiers from other nations, including England, France and India. The Australians at Gallipoli came from all sorts of backgrounds, but they shared the terrible experience of war. Ever since then, for more than 100 years, our navy, army and air force personnel have continued serving in the Anzac tradition.

Source: Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA),
Anzac Portal, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/anzac-day-kitbag