Anzac Day: History, Traditions, and Key Facts

Every year on 25 April, something curious happens: a quiet dawn, a crowd gathering in the dark, a single bugle note—and then silence. That’s Anzac Day, a day that started as a military anniversary and grew into something much bigger, marking the 109th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in 1915.

Observed on: 25 April each year ·
First commemorated: 1916 ·
Commemorates: the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in 1915 ·
Primary countries: Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific nations

Five key facts, one pattern: the day has shifted from a Gallipoli-specific anniversary to a broader national reflection on service and sacrifice.

What is Anzac Day?

• Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand (Parliament of Australia (legislative research service)).
• It commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915 (National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (cultural archive)).
• The first official Anzac Day was held in 1916 (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).
• The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (RSL Australia).

What is the history of Anzac Day?

The history begins on 25 April 1915, when about 70,000 Allied soldiers landed at Gallipoli (Australian Embassy Vienna (diplomatic mission)). The objective was to drive through to Istanbul, take Turkey out of the war, and supply Russia (Australian Embassy Vienna). The campaign lasted eight months and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. In 1916, Australian Acting Prime Minister George Pearce officially named 25 April as Anzac Day (National Museum of Australia). The first anniversary was observed in Australia, New Zealand, England, and by troops in Egypt (Australian Embassy Vienna).

What are 5 facts about Anzac Day?

• 1. Anzac Day is observed on 25 April each year (National Museum of Australia).
• 2. The Gallipoli campaign began on 25 April 1915 (National Museum of Australia).
• 3. The first Anzac Day was commemorated in 1916 (National Museum of Australia).
• 4. The term ANZAC was used by clerks on General Birdwood’s staff in Cairo (RSL Australia).
• 5. Anzac Day now commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).

What happened at Anzac Day?

• The Gallipoli campaign began on 25 April 1915 when Australian and New Zealand troops landed at what is now called Anzac Cove (National Museum of Australia (Australian government historical site)).
• The campaign lasted eight months and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
• German forces respected the fighting ability of Australian soldiers, often noting their bravery and initiative.
• The landing at Gallipoli is a defining moment in Australian and New Zealand history (National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (cultural archive)).

What did the Germans think of Australian soldiers?

Historical accounts suggest German soldiers respected the initiative and bravery of Australian and New Zealand troops, though direct contemporary records are scarce. The perception of Australian soldiers as determined and resourceful became part of the Anzac legend.

The pattern: the enemy’s respect underscores the martial qualities that Anzac Day celebrates, even decades later.

What food is eaten on Anzac Day?

• Anzac biscuits are a traditional food associated with Anzac Day, originally sent to soldiers because they kept well.
• The ‘gunfire breakfast’ is a traditional post-dawn service meal, often including coffee and rum.
• Wearing a sprig of rosemary or a red poppy is common on Anzac Day.
• The colours of the Anzac Day service are often dark (black or navy) for mourning, with medals and poppies for honour.

What do they call the breakfast on Anzac Day?

It’s called the ‘gunfire breakfast’—a tradition dating back to wartime, where soldiers would have a meal of coffee (sometimes laced with rum) after stand-to at dawn.

What colours to wear on Anzac Day?

Dark colours (black, navy) are customary for mourning. Medals are worn on the left breast, and a red poppy or sprig of rosemary is pinned to the lapel (Parliament of Australia (legislative research service)).

These traditions connect the past to the present.

How to explain Anzac Day to a child?

Explain that Anzac Day is a special day to remember soldiers who fought for their country. Use simple language: ‘A long time ago, soldiers from Australia and New Zealand landed in a place called Gallipoli to fight in a war.’ Focus on themes of bravery, friendship, and saying thank you. Activities like making Anzac biscuits or attending a dawn service can help children understand the day.

Why this matters: talking to children about Anzac Day passes down the values of remembrance and respect to the next generation.

Do other countries celebrate Anzac Day?

• Anzac Day is primarily observed in Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific islands (e.g., Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea).
• The United Kingdom holds commemorative services, particularly at the Australian War Memorial in London.
• The United States does not have a national Anzac Day, but some cities host events organized by Australian and New Zealand communities.
• Australia is a day ahead of the US due to the International Date Line, which affects the timing of news and commemorations.
• Other countries with significant expatriate communities also hold services.

Do Americans have Anzac Day?

No, the United States does not observe Anzac Day as a national holiday. However, Australian and New Zealand expatriate groups often organise dawn services in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Do the British celebrate Anzac Day?

Yes, the United Kingdom holds annual commemorative services, most notably at the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park, London (Australian Embassy Vienna).

Why is Australia a day ahead of the rest of the world?

Australia is a day ahead of countries like the United States due to the International Date Line. This means that when it’s midday on 25 April in Sydney, it’s still early 24 April in New York. This affects the timing of news coverage and commemorations.

The trade-off: while the date is fixed, the global time zone difference means commemorations unfold across two calendar days.

Timeline of Anzac Day

The implication: each milestone reflects a broadening of Anzac Day from a single battle anniversary to a national day of reflection covering all service.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

This clarity helps readers understand the certainty of the information.

Voices of remembrance

Anzac Day is a time to remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, and to reflect on the values of mateship, courage, and endurance that define the Australian and New Zealand spirit.

— Australian War Memorial (official commemorative institution)

The ANZAC acronym was first used as a code for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, but it has come to represent the deep bond between two nations forged on a distant shore.

— RSL Australia (Returned and Services League, veteran support organisation)

Summary

For Australians and New Zealanders, the choice each Anzac Day is clear: remember the past in a way that gives meaning to the present, or let the day fade into a generic holiday. By attending a dawn service, wearing a poppy, or sharing Anzac biscuits with a child, the act of remembrance becomes personal. For expatriate communities abroad, the implication is equally sharp—finding a local service or starting one, because the tradition thrives only if passed on.

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One of the most solemn traditions is the dawn service, and you can learn more about the history and timing in our guide to Anzac Day dawn service traditions.

Frequently asked questions