ANZAC Day

 

 We were very happy to not be driving on this public holiday, much preferring to be participating.  ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. This day remembers and honors all those who served and died, or sacrificed physically or mentally in any and all military operations. 

   Why April 25? That was the date in 1915 during World War I that the ANZACs arrived in Gallipoli, Turkey, to capture the capital, then known as Constantinople. While meant to be an easy task, the Turkish resistance was fierce, and fighting lasted for eight months before the ANZACs evacuated after suffering more than 10,000 casualties.

   Red poppies, a symbol of the blood shed by soldiers, are seen everywhere.  Marches, services at dawn and speeches are conducted in many towns, and businesses and schools are closed.

   We join the Australian and New Zealand people, our allies, in honoring all who served and sacrificed.  Lest we forget.