Defence
Australia has two major commemorative days for those who have served our country: ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. While they share many similarities, they have some key differences outlined below.
ANZAC Day is observed as a public holiday on April the 25th every year. A national day of remembrance, the date Australia and New Zealand had their first major battle in World War 1.
Remembrance Day is observed as an international day of commemoration on the 11th of November every year. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is historically significant as the time that fighting in WW1 officially ended.
ANZAC Day is the anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' landing at Gallipoli, Turkey on 25th of April 1915. The first ANZAC Day was observed in 1916. The traditions include attending a Dawn Service or ANZAC Day March, baking ANZAC biscuits, enjoying a gunfire breakfast and playing a game of two-up.
Remembrance Day is held on the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in Germany in WW1 in 1918. Remembrance commemorations began a year later in 1919, on what was originally known as Armistice Day. It is primarily observed in Commonwealth countries where it is usual to observe at least one minute of silence at 11am to pay respect to those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Several traditions are followed on both days such as playing the Last Post and reciting the Ode of Remembrance.
The floral symbols are common features of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, you may have seen them laid at the memorial sites or worn on lapels.
The red poppy is associated with all military commemorative days, however the traditional floral symbol of ANZAC Day is a sprig of rosemary.
This is because the rosemary is linked to memory and it was growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, giving it deep significance to ANZAC Day.
The red poppies were among the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of the Western Front, making them a powerful symbol. The community is encouraged to wear a red poppy on Remembrance day in memory of all our service men and women from our country and the many allied countries who fought in WW1.
Lest we forget
For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.
The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists.