A special day

The acronym ANZAC means Australian and New Zealand Army Corp. It is a public holiday today and has been held on April 25th since 1916 following  WW1. The day commemorates all from these two countries who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. 

The day starts with a dawn service in different places across the country. I attended our service at the village which began at 9am. It was very moving. The photo above was on the front of the pamphlet we used for the service.

Later, marches of those who have served occur in different areas throughout the country. I watched the main one in Sydney and took a couple of photos from the TV (extra). Each group walks behind a banner to show their battalion. Many descendants of those who served also march. Military bands add to the atmosphere. People line the streets in appreciation.

Service people from other countries who now live in Australia also march in honour of the peace that is now amongst us. At dawn in Gallipoli, Turkey the ANZAC ceremony also occurs as a very significant battle occurred there and hundreds travel there every year to be present (extra).
It is a bit hard to see as it was dawn.

The rest of the day is about picnics, barbecues and special fun celebrations. If you are interested in learning more there is much information on the internet as there is so much more about the day.

The weather could not be more perfect for this special day.