Anzac Day 2024: A Day of Remembrance and Gratitude for the Anzacs
Learn about the history and significance of Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand. Find out how to commemorate the Anzac spirit with various activities, and the Vietnam War.
In this post, Vietnam Biker Mates will share some informations about history of Anzac day and how Australians commemorate this national day.
I. Anzac Day – Lest we forget
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that honors the service and sacrifice of those who served in the armed forces. It is observed on 25 April each year, the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915 during the First World War.
Anzac day – A national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand ( Source: Internet )
Anzac Day is a day to honor and celebrate the spirit, loyalty, and endurance of the Anzacs, who fought valiantly against the Ottoman Empire in a campaign that lasted eight months and claimed more than 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand lives. It is also a day to acknowledge and appreciate the countless other Australians and New Zealanders who have followed their example and served their nations in later wars and peacekeeping operations, such as the Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Afghanistan War, and the Iraq War. It is also a day to recognize and support the ongoing service and sacrifice of all those who have defended and continue to defend their nations in times of conflict and crisis.
Anzac Day is a day of national pride and unity, as well as a day of reflection and gratitude. It is a day to remember the fallen heroes, to honor the living veterans, to support the current service members, and to inspire the future generations. It is a day to say “Lest we forget”.
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II. How do Australians commemorate Anzac Day ?
There are many ways to commemorate Anzac Day, whether at home or abroad. Here are some activities that Australians can do to honor the Anzac spirit:
- Attend a dawn service: The dawn service is a solemn ceremony that marks the time when the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli. It usually involves a bugle call, a minute of silence, a wreath-laying, and the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance. Dawn services are held at war memorials, cenotaphs, and other public places across Australia and overseas.
- Watch the Anzac Day march: The Anzac Day march is a parade of veterans, current serving members, and descendants of those who served. It is a way of showing respect and gratitude to those who have defended Australia and its values. The march usually follows the dawn service and ends at a commemorative site where speeches and prayers are delivered.
How do Australians commemorate Anzac Day ? ( Source: Internet )
- Wear a poppy or a sprig of rosemary: The poppy is a symbol of remembrance that was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. The poppy grew on the battlefields of France and Belgium where many soldiers died during the First World War. Rosemary is an herb that has been associated with remembrance since ancient times. It also grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula where the Anzacs fought. Wearing a poppy or a sprig of rosemary on Anzac Day is a way of paying tribute to those who have fallen.
- Bake or eat Anzac biscuits: Anzac biscuits are oat-based cookies that were sent by women to their loved ones who were serving overseas during the First World War. They were made with ingredients that could with stand long journeys and did not spoil easily. Anzac biscuits are still popular today as a tasty treat and a reminder of the home front support for the troops.
Australians in Melbourne commemorate the Anzac day ( Source: Internet )
- Visit a war museum or historical places: A war museum or historical places are the places where you can learn more about the history and stories of those who served in the armed forces. You can see artifacts, photographs, documents, medals, uniforms, weapons, and other items that relate to Australia’s military involvement in various wars and conflicts. You can also listen to audio recordings, watch videos, or join guided motorbike tours that explain the significance and context of the displays.
III. Where in Vietnam is the Aussie memorial?
1. Long Tan
If you are in Vietnam, you can also visit some places that have a connection to Anzac Day and Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. One of these places is Long Tan, where one of the most famous battles of the war took place on 18 August 1966.
Long Tan Cross – A memorial marks the site of the Battle of Long Tan ( Source: Vietnam Biker Mates )
The Battle of Long Tan was fought between an Australian infantry company supported by artillery and armored vehicles, and a much larger force of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers in a rubber plantation near Long Tan village in Phuoc Tuy province (now Ba Ria-Vung Tau province). The Australians managed to hold off repeated attacks from the enemy until they were reinforced by another company. The battle resulted in 18 Australian deaths and 24 wounded, while the enemy casualties were estimated to be around 250 killed and 350 wounded.
The Battle of Long Tan is regarded as one of the most significant actions by Australian forces
The Battle of Long Tan is regarded as one of the most significant actions by Australian forces during the Vietnam War, as it demonstrated their courage, skill, and endurance against overwhelming odds. It also prevented the enemy from launching a major offensive against the Australian base at Nui Dat.
Today, you can visit the Long Tan Cross, which was erected by Australian soldiers in 1969 as a memorial to their fallen comrades. The cross stands on the site where most of the Australian casualties occurred during the battle. You can also see some remnants of artillery shells, bullet casings, and other relics from the battle scattered around the plantation.
2. Nui Dat
Another place you can visit in Vietnam is Nui Dat, which was the main base for Australian forces from 1966 to 1971. Nui Dat was located on a hill about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Long Tan village. It was surrounded by barbed wire, minefields, and bunkers, and housed about 5,000 Australian and New Zealand troops at its peak. Nui Dat was the target of several enemy attacks, including the one that preceded the Battle of Long Tan.
Nui Dat – The main base for Australian forces from 1966 to 1971 ( Source: Internet )
It was also the center of many operations, patrols, and civic action programs conducted by the Australians in Phuoc Tuy province. Today, Nui Dat is mostly reclaimed by nature and local villagers. You can still see some traces of the former base, such as the airstrip, the water tower, the helipad, and the memorial wall. You can also visit the Luscombe Bowl, which was an open-air theater where Australian soldiers enjoyed concerts and entertainment shows. The Luscombe Bowl was named after Major Peter Luscombe, who was killed in action near Long Tan in 1967.
On Anzac Day, various ceremonies and events are held to honor the fallen soldiers and veterans, as well as to celebrate the Anzac spirit of courage, mateship, and sacrifice. Some of the common traditions include dawn services, commemorative marches, remembrance services, wreath-laying, playing of the Last Post, and reciting of the Ode of Remembrance.
Anzac Day is also a day to reflect on the history and culture of both Australia and New Zealand, and their relationship with other countries that were involved in the wars. Anzac Day is a day to remember the past, appreciate the present, and hope for the future.
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