Every April 25, Australia and New Zealand come together to commemorate Anzac Day and pay respects to members of their joint armed forces.
Anzac Day is one of the most revered national holidays to fall on the Australian and New Zealand calendars, with dawn services and marches held across both countries.
Is Anzac Day a public holiday?
Yes.
This year Anzac Day will fall on Tuesday, April 25, which means it will be a public holiday throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Why do we commemorate Anzac Day?
Anzac Day marks the first major military battle fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I.
On April 25, 1915, the Anzacs — the joint Australian and New Zealand Army Corps — landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, in what was then-known as Turkey (the country is now, officially, known as Türkiye).
They were part of an allied mission to capture Constantinople, now Istanbul, the capital of one of Germany's major allies, the Ottoman Empire.
What was expected to be a quick military campaign turned into a long battle with a heavy loss of life.
The Anzacs were met with strong resistance from the Ottoman Turks, which dragged out their campaign for eight months.
There were mass casualties and great hardships on both sides.
While the campaign culminated in defeat for the Anzacs, their bravery during this battle left a powerful legacy that continues to be commemorated.
How is it commemorated?
There are two significant parts to Anzac Day — memorial services held at dawn and marches later in the day.
The dawn services symbolise the time at which the Anzac forces originally landed at Gallipoli.
During these early morning ceremonies, a hymn, prayer, laying of wreaths, a recitation and a period of silence occur, culminating with a bugler's haunting rendition of the Last Post.
The marches that take place throughout the day feature former soldiers, current servicemen and servicewomen as well as their relatives.
What time is the dawn service on Anzac Day?
Dawn services have returned to full capacity this year, with ceremonies and marches being held in cities and towns right across Australia.
Service times will vary across the nation. You can find out what each state capital has planned here.
How can I find Anzac Day service near me?
From dawn services to marches, there are many ways you can get involved on Anzac Day.
Head to the RSL Australia official website to find out what events are happening near you.
If you aren't up early enough to see the dawn service, capital city marches will be broadcast during the day.
These will be broadcast on ABC TV, live on ABC capital city Facebook accounts and on the ABC's capital city local radio websites.
What's open on Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is considered a restricted trading day until 1pm, which means independent retail shops will remain closed until this time.
Shops that are exempt from this include petrol stations, pharmacists, convenience stores and some cafes.
What's the best Anzac biscuit recipe?
Those golden, chewy or crunchy biscuits have been a mainstay of Anzac Day since … well the original Anzacs fought at Gallipoli.
In an effort to boost morale, loved ones sent care packages containing Anzac biscuits to troops.
With their tough exterior and consistency, the Anzac biscuit was designed to travel well over several weeks at sea.
Here's the definitive Anzac biscuit recipe from Country Women's Association secretary and cookery judge Pam Wright to try your hand at before the day.
Ingredients: (Makes: around 45 biscuits)
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup plain flour
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon, salt (optional)
125g butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
2 tablespoons boiling water
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius, prepare two baking trays.
2. Place the oats, coconut, sifted flour, sugar and salt into a bowl. Mix well. Melt butter; add golden syrup, bicarbonate of soda and the boiling water. Stir well. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix well.
3. Place mixture in spoonfuls into lined trays and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven loosen biscuits on tray with a knife or spatula. Allow to cook on tray.
