ANZAC Day in the US

A very proud and reflective day for all Australians. For the non-Aussie reader, ANZAC day is the day when Australia and New Zealand remember their service men and women, former and currently serving and the sacrifice they have made for their country. It is commemorated on 25 April every year to mark the 1915 Gallipoli landings in World War I when Australian and NZ soldiers landed on the beaches at Gallipoli (Turkey) at dawn to begin an offence which was ultimately a failure, resulting in massive loss of lives (both allied and Turks) and the withdrawal eight months later. 

This campaign against the odds forged an enduring spirit of courage and mateship and they became known as ANZAC - Australian and New Zealand Army Corp. ANZAC day is a national holiday in Australia. We celebrate ANZAC day with a dawn service to mark the dawn beach landings, a later morning service and street parades in cities and towns throughout both countries. And of course, for this one day of the year only, we play two-up. Here I am with some friends as we get the courage to toss our money into the ring. This is a simple gambling game where the spinner throws two pennies in the air, people bet on 2 heads or 2 tails to land and a load of fun is had, money is lost or won....of which I lost that day. Anzac biscuits are also a tradition and were on the plates for breakfast. I also made a batch for work as a treat. I have made a batch for the school I visit with the Embassy diplomacy team - they are learning about Anzac Day later this week so they will have some Anzac biscuits to munch on as they learn.

This year we went to the Dawn Service which is held at the Korean War Memorial. In the background of the first photo you will see lifelike statues of soldiers marching in formation - a very impressive memorial here in DC. It was well attended and always a moving and emotional ceremony. The Embassy then hosted the gunfire breakfast and we all head off to the National Cathedral for the morning service. I've not been to a morning service but it was outstanding to do this here at the National Cathedral. There was a didgeridoo, bagpipes and the buglar - all providing the moving sounds of remembrance. I enjoyed hearing from the both NZ and Australian Ambassadors and the entire ceremony was wonderful. I will definitely go back for a tour of this beautiful building. 

 

I am always very proud to be Australian and today is special day to remember the diggers, those who lost their lives, those who helped us make Australia the great country it is today and all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.

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.

Please note I have taken photos from the Embassy of Australia, US Facebook Page. Please  visit for more photos and information.