Aus & NZ commemorate ANZAC Day. Here's the history behind it
By the close of the year 1915, the Allied forces were successfully removed. The devastating consequences of war were felt by both parties involved. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers lost their lives. Anzac Day was established to honor the memory of soldiers from Australia who perished in military operations. People gather at war memorials at dawn, the moment of the original landing in Gallipoli, to pay their respects.
ANZAC Day is a significant national day for Australia and New Zealand, which commemorates the ANZAC's landing at Gallipoli, in Turkey. This event took place on April 25th, 1915, and has been marked annually by both nations since 1916. People from these two countries come together to maintain a sense of unity and pay tribute to the bravery, valor, and comradeship of the first ANZACs.
Australian and New Zealand troops joined the Allied forces on April 25th, 1915 with the aim of taking control of the Gallipoli peninsula from Ottoman Turks. However, their strategy to remove Türkiye from the war was unsuccessful, leading to a long and drawn-out eight-month campaign that ultimately resulted in a stalemate.
Towards the conclusion of 1915, the Allied troops had to withdraw from their position. This resulted in severe losses and difficulties for both sides. The total number of Australian soldiers who lost their lives amounted to over 8,000. To honor and pay tribute to all the deceased Australian military members, Anzac Day is observed. The commemorative ceremonies are conducted at war memorials in the morning at dawn- which also marks the initial landing time in Gallipoli.
"Events Honoring ANZAC Day"
The Australian Embassy in Chennai organized a ceremony at the Madras War Cemetery at sunrise in honor of 15 Australians and six New Zealanders who are buried there.
ANZAC Day is an opportunity to ponder upon the valuable contributions of our current and former soldiers who have exhibited immense bravery and unselfishness while serving our nation. It's a time to pay homage not just to Australian and New Zealand troops but also to 16,000 Indian Army soldiers who were deployed in Gallipoli. These words were expressed by Ms Silai Zaki, the Australian Consul-General in Chennai.
Ms Zaki expressed that every ANZAC Day, we remember the immeasurable cost of war and renew our commitment to upholding peace. This peace grants Australia and other nations the liberty to independently shape our futures, without unwanted meddling.
Important leaders of the Indian Armed Forces went to the Madras War Memorial to honor the 856 Commonwealth service members who lost their lives during World War II. Two of these leaders were Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar and Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra. They represented Indian military areas and took part in the event. There were also people present who represented communities from Australia and New Zealand living in Chennai. They were cricket players Michael Hussey and Stephen Fleming.
In the midst of World War One, folks made sure to send sustenance to their loved ones who were fighting. Since it took a while for food to reach the battlegrounds, the food had to be able to last a long time and give off plenty of nutrients. That's why the Anzac biscuit was the perfect choice.
At first, the biscuit was called Soldiers’ Biscuit. But now, it is known as Anzac Biscuit. This change in the name was due to Australia's intention to pay tribute to the Anzac tradition and the significance of this biscuit as a primary food item during the battle at Gallipoli.
The Anzac cookie is a unique product that can legally use the term 'Anzac' in its marketing efforts, as this word is safeguarded by the Australian government's laws.
The writer works as a journalist in Chennai for Wion.
