The commemoration

Introduction

For an event which had such an impact on Australian history and a group of people who inspired a legend that managed to turn the emphasis of a military failure to an honouring of strength and courage in times of severe hardship, the commemoration of the ANZACs is, without doubt, a deserved one. From modest beginnings, Anzac Day has grown to become Australia's most commemorated day.

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The Beginnings

Although World War I did not officially end until 1918, on April 25, 1916, one year to the day after the ANZAC soldiers landed on the shore at Gallipoli, the first Anzac Day commemorations were held. The commemorations took the form of a march to Westminster Abbey that was attended by the King and Queen of Britain and the Prime Minister of Australia. Although this event praised the Australian and New Zealand troops, there were suggestions that the ceremony itself was a 'picnic over Australia's dead.' This may have been the reaction of people whose memories of those they had lost at Gallipoli were still too fresh and painful.

On the same day, a sports day was held for the Australians in camp in Egypt. There was also a service held at the Domain in Sydney and in other towns and cities across Australia and New Zealand. Men who were wounded and still required the aid of nurses, demonstrated their dedication by attending the march at the Domain in cars.

From 1919 on November 11, a year after the official end of World War I, Armistice Day was introduced to commemorate the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in World War I. Armistice Day is an important day for all Australians. The day itself marks the date that warfare on the Western Front ceased and a peace settlement was secured.

The Changes

Anzac Day did not immediately transform into what it is today; that is, a chance to reflect and remember the people who gave their lives. While Anzac Day did consist of parades of serving members, until the War ended, it also served the purpose of generating attention for recruitment campaigns and patriotic rallies.

It was not until the 1920s that Anzac Day came to symbolise a day of commemoration. It was not until 1927 that all states of Australia had a public holiday on Anzac Day. Then in the 1930s a tradition was set for Anzac Day to include things such as the Dawn Service, the march and games of two-up, all of which have continued to the present day.

Around the time of World War II, the meaning of Anzac Day changed to include the commemoration of the loss and sacrifice of Australians in that war. In more recent times, with Australia having been involved in more wars and battles, Anzac Day recognises every contribution as valuable and includes all Australians who have served in any of the nation's military operations.

As Anzac Day developed with the approach of World War II to become more inclusive of all those who served their country, so did Armistice Day. Prior to 1939, Armistice Day remembered only those who served in World War I. In 1945, however, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day now commemorates all those who have served in all wars and armed conflicts.

How it is commemorated?

The Dawn Service which is held on Anzac Day was originally restricted to veterans, as it was perceived as a time for them to reflect with their comrades who, having shared the same experience, could understand their mixed emotions. While there has always been a solemn atmosphere, the format of the service is no longer as simple. Today the service can be attended by the general public.

The service at dawn was originally for functional purposes. The illusions created by light and shadow in the period before dawn made it the best time for an attack. For this reason, soldiers were woken early so as to be on the alert.

In almost every suburb and town across Australia and New Zealand, an Anzac Day ceremony is held. These ceremonies share similar components: the laying of wreaths, the observance of a minute's silence, prayers and hymns and the playing of 'The Last Post'.

The Anzac Day parade is also an important part of Anzac Day. Thousands of people gather in the capitals of each state to watch current and ex-servicemen and women march. This event is a major occasion for the media and is broadcast live in every state.

Each year thousands of Australians and New Zealanders travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula for Anzac Day to attend memorials to pay their respects to the war dead.

Anzac Day is also commemorated with a public holiday in Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

Anzac Day in Current Times

With the decline in living war veterans and the death of the last ANZAC, Alec Campbell, in 2002, issues surrounding Anzac Day are emerging. It made the headlines recently when the national branch of the Returned Services League ('RSL') stated concerns over Anzac Day losing its meaning, particularly the issue of children being allowed to march alongside veterans. There was heated discussion over whether children and other family members should be allowed to wear their ancestors' medals and badges in the march. While some believe that the right to march beside others who have served should be earned, others are pleased to see younger generations upholding the memory of their relatives.

With the growing multicultural nature of Australia, another topic of discussion has been whether or not the descendants of former foes should be allowed to march in the Anzac Day parade. The Victorian RSL ruled that for the first time descendents of World War I Turkish soldiers were allowed to march. Their decision was made on the grounds that they were an 'honourable enemy.' This decision did not include the descendants of any other nation.

Regardless of the politics surrounding Anzac Day, it is still, and most importantly, a chance for people to reflect on war and to show their gratitude towards the men and women who sacrificed their lives for their loved ones, home and country. Although our World War I and World War II veterans are diminishing, with the growing numbers of people who go out each year and attend Anzac Day services, it does not seem that their message will be forgotten in the near future.