Anzac Day 2025: Australia & NZ Remembrance
Honor Anzac Day on April 25th with dawn services, commemorating the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli.
Anzac Day 2025: Lest We Forget
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Public Holiday: Australia and New Zealand
Anzac Day is Australia and New Zealand's most solemn national occasion. It commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915 — but has evolved to honor all who served and died in military service.
The History
April 25, 1915:
Why it matters: Gallipoli is considered the birth of national identity for both Australia and New Zealand. The "ANZAC spirit" — courage, mateship, endurance — became defining national characteristics.
> "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." — The Ode (Laurence Binyon)
The Dawn Service
The signature Anzac Day ritual:
Why dawn:
Schedule (typical):
| Time | Element |
|---|---|
| 4:30-5:00 AM | Gathering at cenotaph |
| 5:30 AM | Service begins |
| Hymns | Often "Abide With Me" |
| The Ode | Recited, followed by "Lest We Forget" response |
| Last Post | Bugle call |
| Silence | One minute |
| Reveille | Bugle call |
| Wreath laying | Dignitaries, then public |
| ~6:30 AM | Service ends near sunrise |
What to wear: Dark, respectful clothing. Many wear medals (their own or family members' — family medals worn on right chest).
Major Services
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gallipoli, Turkey | The pilgrimage site — thousands attend (register in advance) |
| Australian War Memorial, Canberra | National service, 30,000+ attendees |
| Cenotaph, Sydney | Major city service in Martin Place |
| Auckland War Memorial Museum | New Zealand's largest service |
| Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne | 50,000+ attend |
| Kings Park, Perth | WA's main service |
| Local RSLs/cenotaphs | Every town and suburb |
The March
After dawn services, veterans and descendants march through city streets:
Who marches:
Major marches:
Gunfire Breakfast
The traditional post-dawn service meal:
What it is: Coffee with rum (or a full breakfast with rum-laced coffee)
Origin: "Gunfire" = pre-battle rum ration + coffee given to soldiers
Where to get it: RSL clubs traditionally serve gunfire breakfast after dawn service. Open to public at many locations.
Two-Up
The traditional gambling game, legally played ONLY on Anzac Day in Australia:
How it works:
Where: RSL clubs, some pubs (with special Anzac Day exemption)
History: Soldiers played two-up in the trenches. It's now a protected Anzac Day tradition.
Anzac Biscuits
The iconic oat and coconut biscuit:
Why they exist: Made without eggs (which would spoil during shipping to soldiers abroad). Golden syrup provides binding.
The recipe debate: Commercial use of "Anzac biscuits" is protected. Adding chocolate or calling them "cookies" is technically forbidden under RSL guidelines.
Recipe basics:
Poppies
Red poppies are worn leading up to and on Anzac Day:
Why poppies: Poppies grew on WWI battlefields (Flanders Fields poem). They represent the blood of those who died.
How to wear: Left chest, near heart. Leaf pointing to 11 o'clock (representing 11th hour of 11th day of 11th month — WWI armistice).
Gallipoli: The Pilgrimage
Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders travel to Gallipoli each year:
The experience:
Logistics (2025):
What's Open and Closed
Morning (until 1 PM):
Afternoon:
Note: Anzac Day morning trading restrictions are serious. Fines apply.
The Afternoon Tradition
After services and marches, many Australians:
AFL on Anzac Day: Collingwood vs. Essendon is the traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG. 90,000+ attend.
For Visitors
Attending a dawn service:
Etiquette:
New Zealand Differences
Same:
Different:
