The History of Anzac Day in Australia: Why We Commemorate It.
Anzac Day is one of the most important national days of remembrance in Australia. Observed every year on 25 April, it honours the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand men and women who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. While deeply solemn in tone, Anzac Day is also a powerful reminder of shared history, national identity, and the cost of freedom.
Understanding what Anzac Day is, what it stands for, and why it is commemorated helps explain why it continues to hold such significance for Australians more than a century after its origins.
Light up the dawn this Anzac Day near Brighton Victoria in 2026.
Join us to light up the dawn. This Anzac Day, whether you are in pyjamas or your uniform, in your driveway, living room or at the Shrine, remember those who gave their all.
Where to commemorate.
Option 1. Anzac Day Dawn Service The Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
Attending the Dawn Service at the Shrine is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. Come together to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of generations of Victorians, and all those who suffer the consequences of war. The service takes place at daybreak to honor the moment when the ANZACs launched their historic landing at Gallipoli in 1915, marking Australia and New Zealand’s first major battle in World War I.
All are welcome to commemorate on the Shrine Reserve. No tickets or bookings are required.
Key timings Saturday 25 April 2026
- 5.30 am: Dawn Service commences
- 7 am: Shrine of Remembrance opens
- 9 am: ANZAC Day March commences
- A Commemorative Service will be held at the conclusion of the March
The service will be live-streamed and available to view on this page, or the Shrine’s and channels.
The Anzac Day March
The Melbourne Anzac Day March is a special event that veterans have always embraced. This year, Victorian veterans will be back marching to the Shrine of Remembrance along St Kilda Road from 8.30am. For information about how to be involved in the March, contact RSL Victoria on (03) 9655 5555.
The March takes place on April 25th each year, following the Dawn Service held earlier that morning. It typically begins around 9:00 AM and proceeds along St Kilda Road, one of Melbourne’s grand boulevards, finishing at the Shrine of Remembrance.
The march includes veterans from all conflicts—from the few remaining World War II veterans to those who served in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and peacekeeping missions. Current serving members of the Australian Defence Force also participate. In recent years, descendants have been allowed to march wearing their relatives’ medals on the right side of their chest, which has added a deeply personal dimension to the event.
Thousands of spectators line St Kilda Road to watch and applaud the marchers. The atmosphere is respectful yet warm, with many people clapping and cheering as veterans pass by. The march culminates at the Shrine of Remembrance, where a commemorative service is held.
For Melbourne, this march is a powerful display of remembrance and national identity. It honors not just the ANZACs of Gallipoli, but all Australians who have served in wartime. The event has grown over the years, particularly as public interest in ANZAC Day has increased.
Option 2. Hampton RSL 2026
Location 25 Holyrood St, Hampton VIC 3188
Saturday 25th April will mark ANZAC Day, a significant day as we pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those who have served and are currently serving.
The service begins around 6:00 AM. It includes a formal ceremony with prayers, hymns, the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and the Reveille. There’s typically a wreath-laying ceremony, and local veterans, dignitaries, and community members attend. The service is often followed by a gunfire breakfast (coffee with rum) and a cooked breakfast.
11.00am School and Communtiy ANZAC Service
1.00pm Two-Up games
Option 3 Bentleigh RSL 2026
Bentleigh RSL 538 Centre Rd Bentleigh VIC 3204
March & Commemorative Service
Hodgson Reserve Bentleigh
Form up for march Bentleigh RSL Carpark 10:00am
Service will commence at 10:30am
2UP – Sports Bar 11:30am – 12:30pm
Telephone 03 9557 4547
Option 4 Mentone RSL 2026
Mentone RSL 9 Palermo Street, Mentone 3194 Phone; 03 9583-2841
6.00am dawn service at memorial park (in front of RSL) followed by breakfast at Mentone RSL function room. Gold coin donation. All welcome!
8:40am March assembles at WW1 memorial at Mentone Parade Park (near council chambers) and proceeds down Mentone parade to memorial park (in front of RSL) for commemorative service.
All welcome to return to Mentone RSL for refreshments and morning tea. gold coin donation.
11:30am two up commences 12 noon bistro lunch commences.
12:30pm tickets go on sale for the Anzac arvo raffle. prizes drawn at football half time.
What Is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. On 25 April 1915, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps—commonly known as the ANZACs—landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now Türkiye.
The campaign, which became known as the Gallipoli Campaign, lasted eight months and resulted in heavy casualties. Although the campaign ultimately failed to achieve its military objectives, it became a defining moment in the histories of both Australia and New Zealand.
Today, Anzac Day commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, not only those who fought at Gallipoli.
What Does ANZAC Stand For?
The word ANZAC is an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It originally described the combined force of soldiers sent from Australia and New Zealand to fight alongside British and Allied troops during World War I.
Over time, the term “ANZAC” has taken on a broader meaning. It now symbolises a set of values often referred to as the “Anzac spirit”, including:
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Courage under adversity
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Mateship and loyalty
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Endurance and resilience
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Sacrifice and service
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Compassion for others
These values are not seen as exclusive to soldiers but as qualities many Australians identify with as part of their national character.
The Gallipoli Campaign: Why It Matters
The Gallipoli landings took place at Gallipoli Peninsula on the morning of 25 April 1915. The Allied plan was to capture the peninsula, secure a sea route to Russia, and force the Ottoman Empire out of the war.
The ANZAC troops faced steep terrain, strong resistance, poor planning, and harsh conditions. More than 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders died during the campaign, with many more wounded.
Despite its military failure, Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australia. At the time, Australia was a young nation, having federated only in 1901. The bravery and sacrifice shown by Australian soldiers helped shape a growing sense of national identity, separate from Britain.
Why Do We Commemorate Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is commemorated for several important reasons:
1. To Honour Service and Sacrifice
Anzac Day recognises the men and women who have served Australia in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. It acknowledges not only those who died, but also those who returned home carrying physical and psychological scars.
2. To Remember the Cost of War
The day serves as a reminder that war comes at a significant human cost. Families, communities, and entire generations are affected by loss, trauma, and disruption.
3. To Preserve National Memory
Commemoration ensures that future generations understand Australia’s history and the role service members played in shaping the nation’s freedoms and values.
4. To Reflect on Peace
While honouring military service, Anzac Day also encourages reflection on the importance of peace and the responsibility to avoid conflict wherever possible.
How Is Anzac Day Observed in Australia?
Anzac Day is marked by ceremonies across the country, from large capital-city events to small local gatherings.
Common traditions include:
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Dawn Services, symbolising the time of the original Gallipoli landing
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The Ode of Remembrance, often followed by a minute of silence
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Laying of wreaths at war memorials
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Marches by veterans and current service members
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The Last Post, a ceremonial bugle call
Many Australians also wear rosemary, a plant associated with remembrance, or red poppies later in the day.
The Evolution of Anzac Day
Anzac Day was first observed in 1916, just one year after the Gallipoli landings. Initially focused on World War I, its scope expanded following World War II to include all conflicts involving Australian forces.
Over time, public engagement with Anzac Day has fluctuated. Attendance declined in the latter half of the 20th century but has grown strongly since the 1990s, particularly among younger Australians. Today, Anzac Day is widely seen as a moment of national unity rather than glorification of war.
Anzac Day Today: Ongoing Relevance
In modern Australia, Anzac Day continues to evolve. It now includes recognition of:
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Peacekeeping missions
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The service of women in the armed forces
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The experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service members
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The impact of war on families and communities
While traditions remain important, there is also growing emphasis on inclusive storytelling and honest discussion about the realities of conflict.
Why Anzac Day Still Matters
Anzac Day matters because remembrance shapes responsibility. It reminds Australians that the freedoms enjoyed today were built on sacrifice, and that service—whether military or civic—comes with moral responsibility.
By learning about Anzac Day, Australians are better equipped to understand their history, honour those who served, and commit to values of empathy, resilience, and peace.
