Today in both Australia and New Zealand it is Anzac day where the nations pause every year to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) and of all those who have served their country since.

The tradtion first started during World War I with a landing at Gallipoli (located on the Turkish Aegean coast), Turkey. Due to a navigational error the forces came ashore about a mile north of the intended landing point leaving them at the bottom of steep cliffs instead of the beach and gentle slope they were expecting. Never the less they established a foothold and for the next 8 months doggedly fought the Turkish defenders in an eventual stalemate. Under the cover of darkness the Allied Forces withdrew leaving over 10000 dead amoungst the ANZACs.

Although a defeat, the events of Gallipoli were came to be seen as the birthright of young nations and are celebrated by solemn dawn services and then later by a marchpast of veterans from all conflicts and by present members of the Australian defence force. Although Australia’s official national day is "Australia Day", generally ANZAC day is better celebrated and attended, and is indeed regarded by many as the true national day of the country.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

We will remember them

As a post note there is no anamosity towards the Turkish within Anzac day and in most national capitals Turkish veterans now march as part of the Anzac parades.

Tags: australia, new_zealand, anzac, anzac_day, army, armed_forces