Diane has taught all subjects at the elementary level, was the principal of a K-8 private school and has a master's degree in Measurement and Evaluation.
Anzac Day Facts: Lesson for Kids
What is ANZAC Day?
Imagine traveling a long way to go on vacation. As you walk through the central part of the city with your family, you notice a huge display of red flowers, with people standing around. But this is not a garden you are looking at. You are in Australia on ANZAC Day.
ANZAC Day is a solemn holiday that honors the men and women of Australia and New Zealand who served their country in the military and died, as well as those who are still living. ANZAC is an abbreviation for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
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Every April 25th, ceremonies are held in both countries to honor the sacrifices of their brave military men and women. It is similar to Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the US, except both the war dead and living service members are honored during this one day.
How did ANZAC Day Start?
In 1914, World War I started and Britain went to war with Germany. Because Australia and New Zealand were British colonies, men in those countries volunteered to fight for Britain as part of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
On April 25, 1915, these soldiers landed at Gallipoli (pronounced guh-LIH-puh-lee), which is part of Turkey. The Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought courageously there for 8 months in muddy, mucky conditions. About 8,000 died in the fight and around 18,000 were injured.
Besides the fighting, they suffered with lice, bad food, little drinkable water, and illness.
Even though they had to withdraw, they were viewed as brave men who sacrificed everything for their countries.
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ANZAC Day originally started as a way to honor and remember those courageous men. Eventually, it turned into a day when both the military men and women who died serving their country in all wars, as well as those who are still living, are honored.
The Red Poppies
On ANZAC Day, you will see a lot of people wearing red flowers called poppies. They are also on memorials and in huge displays. The poppies used during ANZAC Day are usually silk or paper but they have an important meaning.
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During World War I, these red flowers were the first to spring up and bloom on battlefields that had been destroyed by fighting and where many people died. The soldiers thought they represented the blood of their friends who had died for their countries, and they are still used today to remember and honor them.
Lesson Summary
ANZAC Day is a remembrance that honors both the living and dead military men and women in Australia and New Zealand who served their countries. It is held on April 25th of every year and started as a way to remember the men who died at a fierce battle in Gallipoli during World War I. Today, it honors all soldiers who died serving their country in all wars as well as those who are still alive, with the red poppy representing the blood of the soldiers who died protecting their countries.
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BackAnzac Day Facts: Lesson for Kids
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