Event date: 25 April 2010
The Catafalque Party Gallipoli ANZAC Day 2009
ANZAC Day is Australia’s official day of remembrance. It has been a recognised holiday since 1916. It commemorates the failed landing in to Gallipoli, in modern Turkey, by the ANZAC’s (Australia New Zealand Army Corp) that caused the death of 8,000 Australians that commenced on 25 April 2010.
The holiday play’s an important part in the creation of an Australian national identity. It marks the initial movement away from traditional colonial thinking by European settlers, to a solidified shared regional bond between Australians and our New Zealand neighbours.
Today, ANZAC Day recognises all Australian military efforts past and present. People wear a red poppy as sign of respect. The most significant trademark of ANZAC Day, is the traditional dawn service. People gather at recognised monuments for the fallen. Veterans are ordered to stand to a couple of minutes prior to dawn and a two minute silence is observed as a bugler plays "The Last Post."
Below are a list of major city services held on the day. However, most towns will hold a similar service somewhere near the town centre. Please be mindful that there is no trading prior to 1pm on the day as a mark of respect. Monday, 26 April I observed as a statutory holiday in all states and territories excluding Tasmania.
Canberra
Where: Parade Ground, Australian War Memorial
Arrive: 5:00am
Sydney
Where: The Cenotaph, Martin Place
Arrive: 4:15am
Melbourne
Where: Northside of the Shrine of Remembrance, St. Kilda Road
Arrive: 5:45am
Brisbane
Where: Shrine of Remembrance, Anzac Square, Ann Street
Arrive: 4am
Adelaide
Where: State National War Memorial, North Terrace
Arrive: 6am
Darwin
Where: Darwin Cenotaph, The Esplanade
Arrive: 5:45am.
Perth
Where: State War Memorial, Fraser Avenue, Kings Park
Arrive: 4:30am
For more information about ANZAC Day, we strongly recommend going to the official Returned & Services League of Australia website.
Lest we forget
Ricki and the Backpacker crew