What day was ANZAC Day on and why was that day chosen?

Answer 1

ANZAC Day, commemorated on 25 April every year, came about as a result of the Gallipoli campaign in World War I. The date is the result of a specific and tragic event that occurred early in the war.

ANZAC is an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (pronounced Core), the soldiers who landed at Gallipoli on the Turkish Aegean coast on 25 April 1915, in World War I. Many of these men did not survive the ambush of the Turkish troops high up on the cliffs of what is now Anzac Cove. Due to a navigational error, the ANZACs came ashore about a mile north of the intended landing point. Instead of facing the expected beach and gentle slope they found themselves at the base of steep cliffs, and completely vulnerable to the Turkish defenders. Of the 1500 men who waded ashore that first day, 755 remained in active service at the end of the day, with the remainder killed or wounded. Advance was impossible. After eight months of stalemate, the Allies withdrew from the peninsula, leaving about 8700 dead amongst the troops.

The ANZAC troops became legendary for their persistence, their stamina, their courage and, most of all, their mateship and loyalty to one another. Thus, the day commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the thousands of men who died during the eight-month occupation of Gallipoli.

Subsequently, ANZAC Day has become a day of remembrance for all Australian and New Zealand soldiers who gave their lives in all wars. In Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC Day commemorations feature solemn "dawn services", a tradition started in Albany, Western Australia on 25 April 1923, to mark the day of the first landing. These services are held at war memorials around both countries. Marches by veterans and family members of those who have died in past wars are held in capital cities and towns nationwide, as Australians and New Zealanders honour our brave Defence Force personnel.

Answer 2

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