Anzac Day
Anzac Day: Honouring the spirit of service
Anzac Day is one of the most important national days in Australia, bringing people together from all walks of life to remember and honour the men and women who have served their country.
Held each year on 25 April, it is more than just a commemoration of the past; it’s a day that reflects Australia’s enduring values of courage and mateship.
Whether attending dawn services, watching parades, or sharing stories, Anzac Day reminds us of the bravery and sacrifices made by those who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.
It is a day that continues to shape our national identity and inspires pride in the spirit of service that remains strong in Australia today.
What is the history of Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is observed every year on April 25th. This important date marks the anniversary of the first landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula during World War I in 1915.
On this day, Australians and New Zealanders come together to remember the courage and sacrifices made by the Anzacs and all service personnel.
The history of Anzac Day dates back to World War I, when Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers fought at Gallipoli, Türkiye, in a campaign that lasted eight months.
Despite the eventual withdrawal of the troops, the bravery and determination shown by the Anzacs in difficult circumstances became a symbol of endurance and mateship, values that remain important to Australians and New Zealanders today.
Anzac Day was first commemorated in 1916, just one year after the landing at Gallipoli.
What does ANZAC stand for?
ANZAC is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The term was first used in 1915 to describe the combined forces of Australian and New Zealand troops who landed at Gallipoli.
Today, it represents more than just a military unit—it is a symbol of shared values and camaraderie.
Why is Anzac Day special to Australians?
Anzac Day holds a special place in Australian hearts because it is a day of national pride, remembrance, and reflection.
It not only honours those who fought at Gallipoli but also all Australian servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
The values of courage, endurance, and mateship - known as the "Anzac spirit" - continue to inspire Australians today.
Recipe for Healthy Anzac Biscuits
½ cup almond meal
½ cup oats
1 cup shredded coconut
pinch salt
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
1 tbsp natural crunchy peanut butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 140-150℃ and line a baking tray with paper.
In a medium sized bowl combine the almond meal, oats, coconut, salt, baking powder and cinnamon.
Gently heat the butter, peanut butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan until melted and combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix thoroughly.
Take tablespoons of the mixture and flatten into round circles on the tray.
Cook for 25-35 minutes, depending on your oven.
Remove from the oven and leave on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Source: https://wendyswaytohealth.com/anzac-biscuits/
What should we do on Anzac Day?
There are several ways Australians can commemorate Anzac Day:
Dawn Services: These are held at war memorials across the country to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel. The services typically include hymns, prayers, a recitation of "The Ode," and a minute of silence followed by the sounding of "The Last Post."
Parades and marches: Veterans and current service members take part in marches through cities and towns, often cheered on by crowds.
Donate to an Anzac cause: Anzac Day is a time to give back by donating to organisations like the RSL or Legacy, which help veterans and their families. These donations go towards important services like healthcare, mental health support, and financial assistance.
Poppy flowers: Buying and wearing a poppy on Anzac Day is a way to honour those who served. The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance and is sold in the lead-up to Anzac Day to raise money for veterans.
For veterans, Anzac Day is a time to remember the comrades they served with, especially those who never returned.
It is also a moment to reflect on the broader legacy of service and the Anzac spirit, which lives on in modern-day veterans.
Veterans often participate in Anzac Day marches, sharing their stories with younger generations.
At Provocatus, we’re proud to support Australia’s veteran community, ensuring that the values of Anzac Day live on through the care and respect we provide for those who served.
As an Australian and Veteran Owned medical and pharmaceutical company, we have designed the Veteran Access Scheme™ to address the specific health challenges faced by veterans.
The Veteran Access Scheme™ helps to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens that often accompany healthcare for veterans, ensuring they receive timely and effective care.
Our mission is to improve veteran health outcomes by supporting veterans, their families and healthcare teams to manage the impact of service-related health conditions.
Get in touch if you would like more information on DVA claims, Veteran health, or information for Veteran families.