25 APRIL 2024– Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, landing in Gallipoli in 1915.
ANZAC stands for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as Anzacs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.
Australians recognise 25 April as a day of national remembrance, which traditionally takes two forms. Commemorative services are held at dawn – the time of the original landing in Gallipoli. These commemorative ceremonies are more formal and are held at war memorials around the country. In Palau, the dawn service was held at COVE Resort. Later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen meet to take part in marches through Australia’s major cities and in many smaller town centres.
Anzac Day is a time Australians reflect, remember and commemorate those who lost their lives in all the military and peacekeeping operations in which Australia has been involved and to honour our servicemen and servicewomen.
For further information, please contact the Australian Embassy, Palau on 488-4628 or koror.embassy@dfat.gov.au.