Life In Australia

ANZAC Day is a public holiday commemorating the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25^th 1915, during the First World War. It was the first significant action in which soldiers from Australia and New Zealand were involved and, sadly, there were many casualties.

This important date is remembered each year. There are dawn services throughout the country, remembering those who fought so courageously. The dawn services are usually held in front of cenotaphs and war memorials, such as the war memorial in Woy Woy, New South Wales, pictured above.  Marches, in which veterans participate, are also held throughout Australia.

In some ways, ANZAC Day is similar to Remembrance Day in the UK. However, it appears to be taken much more seriously than Remembrance Day. Children are taught about the dreadful events that ANZAC Day remembers and they are encouraged to participate, thus honouring the sacrifices made by those who took part.

For example, children learn about the moving true story of Simpson and his donkey. You can read about this story on the Travel Wonders of the World website.

On a lighter note, ANZAC biscuits (cookies) are often made and eaten around ANZAC Day. They were originally made by the female relatives of soldiers serving in the First World War and sent to the troops to boost morale. It is for this reason that the biscuits are made only from ingredients that stay fresh for a long time. Here is a recipe for ANZAC biscuits.

There has been some controversy this year because the ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday and there will be no public holiday in lieu on Monday 27th April in most of Australia. Canberra and
Perth are the only two cities in which there will be a public holiday.

You can find out more about ANZAC Day on the Australian War Memorial website.