ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On the 25th April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture Constantinople the capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany. The Anzacs were landed on the beaches below the cliffs where the Turkish soldiers resisted the invasion. The campaign lasted eight months and at the end of 2015 the allied forces were evacuated. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. From 2016, the 25th of April became the day to remember the soldiers who were killed. As time went on it became the day that we remember all Australians killed in military operations.
Today in our little village our veterans and their families march around the village to the Community Centre where a service is conducted and wreaths are laid followed by morning tea and drinks.
Chiou See, our managing Director leads the march with marching music and Fred a disabled veteran.
The little group of veterans march or scooter to the Community Centre.
Villagers clap in recognition of their services to their country.
Ian gives the Welcome Speech and the meaning of Anzac Day.
Then some of the veterans laid wreaths representing the Army, Navy and Airforce.
Chiou See lays a wreath representing the residents.
Then we had Bob say the Ode of Remembrance and the Last Post was played followed by a minutes silence.
Then Reveille is played and the flag ,which is at half mast during the ceremony, is raised by Roy.
Then residents are invited to lay poppies with the wreaths.
Afterwards it is a time for camaraderie with families and friends.