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.
Modern ANZAC Day parade
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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.
Poppies on display on ANZAC Day
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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.
