Anzac Day: History, Meaning and Traditions
Why Australians mark Anzac Day on 25 April, the story of Gallipoli, the meaning of the Anzac spirit, and how Anzac Day differs from Remembrance Day.
Every year on 25 April, Australians gather before dawn at war memorials across the country to mark Anzac Day. It is one of the most important national days in Australia, and understanding it helps you understand the Australian identity — and answer citizenship test questions with confidence.
What Does "Anzac" Mean?
ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the name given to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought together in the First World War. The word "Anzac" has since come to represent the soldiers themselves and the qualities they displayed.
What Happened on 25 April 1915?
On 25 April 1915, during the First World War, Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli, in what is now Türkiye. They faced steep cliffs and strong defences. The campaign lasted around eight months and was not a military success, and the Allied forces were eventually withdrawn. Many thousands of Australians were killed or wounded.
Despite this, the courage, endurance and mateship shown by the Anzacs made a deep impression on the young nation, which had only federated in 1901. Gallipoli became a defining moment in Australia's sense of national identity.
What Is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance. It was first marked in 1916, and today it honours all Australians who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations — not only those at Gallipoli.
Anzac Day Traditions
- Dawn services — held at dawn, the time of the original landing, at memorials around Australia and overseas
- Marches — veterans, service members and their descendants march through towns and cities
- The Ode — a verse including the words "We will remember them", followed by the response "Lest we forget"
- The Last Post — a bugle call played at services, followed by a minute's silence
- Wreaths and poppies — laid at memorials as a sign of respect
- Rosemary — often worn as a symbol of remembrance, because it grows wild at Gallipoli
Anzac Day is a national public holiday.
The Anzac Spirit
The "Anzac spirit" or "Anzac legend" describes the qualities associated with the Anzacs: courage, endurance, good humour, ingenuity and mateship. These qualities are still valued by Australians today and are often mentioned in discussions about the Australian character.
Anzac Day vs Remembrance Day
- Anzac Day — 25 April: marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing; a national public holiday
- Remembrance Day — 11 November: marks the end of fighting in the First World War in 1918; Australians observe a minute's silence at 11 am
The Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra commemorates the sacrifice of Australians who have died in war. It is a museum, an archive and a place of reflection, and it hosts a national Anzac Day ceremony each year.
Anzac Day for New Australians
Many migrants attend Anzac Day services as a way of connecting with Australia's history. Some communities, including Vietnamese Australians whose families have their own experiences of war, find the day especially meaningful. Everyone is welcome to attend a dawn service and pay their respects.
Remember the Key Facts
For the test, remember: Anzac Day is on 25 April, it marks the landing at Gallipoli in 1915, and ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. CitiZen AU's history and national days questions — in English and Vietnamese — help these facts stick.