Anzac Day 2014 and Dawn Service

Anzac Day 2014 at Gallipoli Turkey information and Gallipoli Tour information for Anzac day and best price options Anzac Day Dawn Service 2014 from Istanbul.

This year our sponsor is "Anzac Day Reservation" under brand of Lutars Travel

There is any payment for this article, just our medarators will be their guest in Anzac Day 2014 Organisations for free.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2014[/caption]

Anzac Day 2014 Programme

Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and France conduct Anzac Day services on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Services are held on 24 and 25 April 2012 and the offical programme is planned as below;

24 April 2014

09:00 - 10:50 Turkish International Service, Mehmetçik Abidesi

11:15 - 11:40 French Memorial Service, Morto Bay

12:00 - 12:25 Commonwealth Memorial Service, Cape Helles

25 April 2014

05:30 - 06:15 Dawn Service, Anzac Commemorative Site, North Beach

10:00 - 10:45 Australian Memorial Service, Lone Pine

11:15 - 12:00 Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial Service, Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial

12:30 - 13:15 New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair

The road leading to the Anzac Commemorative Site will be closed from 3am on 25 April 2014 until the start of the Dawn Service. The Anzac Commemorative Site is expected to be closed to visitor entry from approximately mid-morning to early-mid afternoon on 24 April.

Dawn Service Anzac Day 2014

Date - Duration: 24 / 25 April 2014 - 2 days / 1 night at the Commemorative Site

Meeting Point & Time: Istanbul Hagia Sophia Square at 11.00 lt

At 11.00 we meet in front of the Haghia Sophia and depart for Eceabat ( closest town to the Gallipoli Battlefiels )

The drive by coach takes appr. 5 hours with a short break for 20 min. on Halfway

By arrival we have a Barbeque Party

Takes appr. 1,5 hours - Drinks during the Barbeque are extra

19.30 arrival at the Commemorative Site

When we arrive there, we are leaving the coach, till next morning you’ll not see the coach again, there will be check points for security, the rules are very strict, no alcohol allowed to enter the sites - nor drunken people, even if your water bottle is on you cannot get it in to the site.

On the ceremony area there will be stadium style seats and sleeping bags area, the night is going to be very cold so taking with you some thick clothes highly advised. Around the site there will shops for foods and drinks so you don’t need to carry with you. There will be some informative movies & documentaries shown on the big screens till to the Service.

Around 05.30 am starts the Dawn Service, after the service you will depart for the Australian ceremony at Lone Pine, because no bus transportation allowed you are going to walk up the Artillery Road over Shell Green which last around 1 hour.

The Australian ceremony starts 10.30 which gives you time to have a Breakfast.

New Zealanders continue on their walk from Lone Pine to the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. You’ll follow the main road to the Chunuk Bair, this walk will last around 1 hour.

On the way you will have a chance to see Johnston’s Jolly where are remains of Turkish and Anzac trenches, Steele’s and Courntney’s Post cemetery, Quinns Post Cemetery & 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial.

The ceremony at Chunuk Bair for the New Zealanders starts at 11.30.

After all the ceremonies you will meet the group leaders ( you will  be informed about meeting points). With our Buses we drive to the town of Eceabat and from there back to Istanbul ( or according your arrangement to Selcuk ).

The drive back to Istanbul will take us 5 hours where halfway we’ll have a short break.

Arround 22.30 arrival to Istanbul ( Haghia Sophia Square )

Informations and Tips

Preparing to attend ANZAC Day commemorations:

You should have a moderate level of fitness if you plan to attend the ANZAC Day commemorations in gallpoli.To attend the services you can expect to walk up to 8 kms on uneven surfaces.  The walk from the Dawn Service to Lone Pine where the Australian service is held as next service is approximately 3 kms and includes a section of 1.5 kms of uneven dirt surface with a steep incline.  The walk from Lone Pine to Chunuk Bair to join the New Zealand service will be is 3.2 kms up a steep bitumen surfaced road.

What to expect on ANZAC day in Gallipoli is;

All commemorative services are held in a National Park.

You will arrive in the late afternoon or at night when it may be extremely cold and windy, and it may rain.

You can expect to be on site upto 24 hours.

There is no shelter at any of the commemorative sites or within the ANZAC area.

Warm and wet weather protective clothing, as well as a hat/cap and sunscreen are necessary to ensure your wellbeing and comfort at the ceremonies.

You will walk considerable distances from the time of your arrival to attend the services until your departure from the ANZAC area - these walks are uphill including on graded dirt surfaces. You must have a moderate level of fitness and mobility to walk these distances.

Food and refreshments are available for purchase from the Turkish food sellers on site.  You may bring in your own food. Alcohol is NOT allowed at the commemorations and will be confiscated.

Limited basic facilities including toilets, lighting and non-drinking water are brought in to the commemorative sites for the ANZAC Day commemorations on 24 and 25 April.

Swimming in the waters off the ANZAC area is prohibited.

Packing for ANZAC Day in Gallpoli:

Participants of ANZAC day with special needs are asked to ensure they are prepared to spend a night out in the cold and bring warm clothing, coat, gloves, hat, scarf and a blanket as a minimum.  There is no access to coaches after arrival, so everything you need during the evening and next day must be brought with you including medications.You may bring the things below and a small day pack may be useful to carry these items.

Warm, thermal clothing, jacket, beanie, hat or cap, gloves, scarf

Warm blanket (some of local agencies supply for you)

A wet weather jacket & pants, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes

Prescription medications (if necessary)

Food/snacks and drinking water

Sunscreen, torch Camera

We do not suggest to bring following itmes:

Items are prohibited in the commemorative areas. These items MUST be left on your coach/hotel.  All visitors to the commemorative services are screened on entry to the sites and all bags are searched before Dawn Service.

Alcohol (Intoxicated persons will be refused entry)

Large backpacks (luggage sized)

Camping equipment

Flammable liquids and weapons or sharp objects

Getting There for Dawn Service:

We do not suggest you to drive a private car to Gallipoli for ANZAC day services. However, depending on the location of the parking area designated by Turkish authorities, visitors travelling by private vehicle may have to walk several kilometres along unlit or poorly lit roads before reaching the ANZAC Commemorative Site.  People may travel to the commemorations in private motor vehicles.  Private vehicles are prohibited from travelling to the Lone Pine, 57th Regiment Memorial or Chunuk Bair commemorative sites.People generally travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula by coach or minibus as part of a tour group.  Several kilometres from the ANZAC Commemorative Site, coaches and their passengers are welcomed by a member of the visitor services team and issued with coach identification information - a Coach Identification Number and individual tags for each passenger with their coach number on it.  This will help you to identify your coach at the end of the day.

Coaches set down their passengers at Beach Cemetery for Dawn service. It is about one kilometre (15 minutes walk) from the ANZAC Commemorative Site where the Dawn Service is held. You will pass through a security screening point before entering the site, then walk approximately ½ kilometre to the ceremonial area. On passing the security checkpoint at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, all visitors will be given a security wristband.  This wristband MUST be worn on the wrist until you leave the Gallipoli Historical National Park at the conclusion of the services.

Your coach will leave you on beach cemetery and they will be directed to set down area Chunuk Bair to be in line until after all commemorative services are completed on the afternoon of 25 April. When you disembark from your coach ensure you have everything you will need during the evening and next day, including medication.  To assist with security screening we suggest that keys, phones and coins are placed in your day pack or bag. You will not be able to go back to your coach if you forget anything or to return items that are prohibited on site.

Seating at the commemorative sites is available on grassed areas & in stands but cannot be reserved.  Once open on 24 April, the ANZAC Commemorative Site fills quickly.  People may end up sitting very close to each other and, if the site reaches capacity, people will be asked to stand.  Large groups who arrive later may not be able to find room to be seated as a group and should be prepared to split up.

The commemorative services are open to the public. Those attending the Dawn Service at the ANZAC Commemorative Site may go on to attend the Australian Service at Lone Pine as second service, the Turkish 57th Regiment Service at the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial as third service or the New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair as last service before getting back to bus. However, due to the walking distances and terrain between the commemorative sites and the number of visitors walking to each service it may not be possible to attend all four services. You should follow instructions issued by Turkish security personnel. Allow sufficient time to travel between the commemorative sites including time to pass through each site’s security checkpoint.

From Dawn Service to Lone Pine:

visitors walk along the ANZAC Cove Road and up Artillery Road to Lone Pine Cemetery for the 10:00am Australian Memorial Service From approximately 6:30am (after completion of the Dawn Service). This 3.1 kms walk takes visitors past the sites of Ari Burnu, Shrapnel Valley and Beach Cemeteries.  Shortly after Beach Cemetery, the route follows Artillery Road inland as it slopes uphill past Shell Green Cemetery to Lone Pine. Artillery Road is a dirt road and is steep and uneven in places.  In wet weather the road can be extremely difficult to walk.  The route is well signposted.  A moderate level of fitness is required.

From Lone Pine to Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial:

There is a short time to walk from Lone Pine to the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial service after the conclusion of the service at Lone Pine, a distance of 1.2 kms along an uphill bitumen road. The Turkish service starts at 11:15am, thirty minutes after the conclusion of the Lone Pine service.

From Lone Pine to Chunuk Bair:

The last service is The New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair commences at 12:30pm. The route slopes uphill past the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial (about 3.3 kms).  As you walk to Chunuk Bair, please respect the Turkish service in progress at the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial.  The walking time between Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.

Site information in Gallipoli:

Seating:

Temporary tiered seating is available at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair for the ANZAC Day services.  Small areas of reserved seating are set aside for the official party and people requiring special assistance. Seating can not be reserved for visitors and tour groups.  There are no sheltered areas at any of the commemorative sites. Visitors are not allowed to have items touching or to lean against any headstones in the commemorative sites.

Toilets:

Temporary chemical toilets and hand washing facilities are available on 24 and 25 April at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and on the way between sites.  The water at these locations is not potable and must not be used as drinking water. Permanent toilets are only available at the Kabatepe Museum, which is some distance from the commemorative sites.

Power, Water and Refreshments:

Be sure you charge all your batteries needed on site. There is no running water, power or lighting except for that in use for the services.  Bottled water is available for purchase from Turkish vendors at each of the commemorative sites. Local Turkish food and drink vendors sell limited quantities of their products within the Gallipoli Park. Most of tour suppliers provide breakfast and lunch boxex to their clients. Please check the inclusions of your tour with your tour director.

Important: Selling and Consuming alcohol within the National Park are not permitted.  The ban on alcohol is strictly enforced. Alcohol brought on site will be confiscated and intoxicated people will be denied entry.

Rubbish:

Rubbish disposal facilities are provided on each site. Because of numbers of visitors it may be diffucult to get sufficient rubbish disposal facilities. Visitors are asked to dispose of rubbish thoughtfully or, where possible, take rubbish with them. All visitors to the Dawn Service are provided with a biodegradable rubbish bag (as part of an information kit). Additional rubbish bags are available from event staff.

Lost Property:

If you lose or find property during the commemorations, please take it to the information tent and notify event staff.  Following the commemorations, lost property enquiries can be directed to event staff wşth uniforms. Property is only retained for a month and is held in Turkey.  Arrangements for, and costs of, shipping are the responsibility of individuals claiming lost items.

Safety and security:

The Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Ankara and the Australian Consulate in Canakkale work closely with Turkish authorities who are responsible for security for the commemorations.Crowd control barriers are used as a means of directing public access and protecting the surrounding environment. Security and crowd management measures include a ban on lighting fires, restrictions on entry points, individual searches and site security.  Certain areas of the ANZAC Commemorative Site (including the beach and ceremonial area) will be inaccessible to members the public for extended periods on 24 April and 25 April.

Public announcements on the large screens, will provide instructions in the event of an ncident. Messages will be displayed as well. You While safety lighting is installed at the ANZAC Commemorative Site for the evening of 24 April and for the Dawn Service, visitors may wish to bring torches. For emergencies you get in touch with event staff or Turkish military staff. Basic first aid facilities are available from 3pm on 24 April and during the day on 25 April.

Traffic and crowd management:

Turkish Jandarma is responsible of the Management of traffic on the Gallipoli Peninsula.  The number of large vehicles on the narrow roads of the Gallipoli Peninsula during 24 and 25 April means that traffic restrictions must be strictly enforced. Visitors may arrive in private vehicles but they should be aware that designated parking areas may be several kilometres from the Dawn Service site, the walk from the parking area to the site may be along unlit or poorly lit roads, and private vehicles are prohibited from travelling between commemorative sites.  Those attending ANZAC Day services on the Gallipoli Peninsula should plan their visit accordingly.

Tour coaches will not be permitted to travel through the ANZAC Commemorative Site from the afternoon of 24 April in Gallipoli.  Coaches are stopped one kilometre from the site at the Beach Cemetery passenger set down point and visitors will be required to walk from there to the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Coaches will not commence the collection of passengers until after the conclusion of the Chunuk Bair service (at approximately 13:15 ) on 25 April. Coaches will collect passengers only from the commemorative sites.  Pick-up takes until 4 or 5pm for all coaches to pick up their passengers.Further information about traffic arrangements will be available and provided by the announcers on site.

Terms & Conditions of Anzac Day 2014

1. Reservation Process

Please note that all reservation steps are powered by Lutars, the managing and owner company of Anzacdayreservation.com. All reservation steps are highly secured with TLS v1.0 256 bit AES encrypted SSL technology. Furthermore, we have implemented and use several up to date security procedures, technical and physical restrictions for accessing and using personal information. The security of the provided date is our top priority. After you select your requested tour, please first click on ‘Book Now’, then you will be transferred to the online payment system of Lutars.com. In the step 1, your tour details will be provided and we will ask for the total number of people, who will join the selected tour. In the second step, accommodation selection will be asked. In the third step, personal details will be asked. In addition to this available optionals regarding the seleceted tour will be presented. In the fourth step, the summary of the final form of the selections will be presented and the payment method will be selected. In the fifth step booking confirmation will come with booking reference number according to the payment method. Doing so, a confirmation e-mail which covers the summary of your confirmed reservation will be presented. In the last step you will get an confirmation number regarding your reservation. Please use this number for any further contacts If you select credit card payment in the fourth step, We will charge the full amount from your credit card details. The refund of the charged amount is subject to cancellation policy. If your select bank transfer option for the payment, then our bank details will be stated accordingly. In this case you will be asked to transfer the requested amount in 48 hours to one of our Euro,GBP, USD or TL accounts. After you have completed the transfer, it will also be asked to send us a notice with your reservation number, which state that you have completed the transfer. The reservation number will be seen in the final step.

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2.1. Anzacdayreservation.com is owned and managed by Lutars Travel Canakkale. Lutars Travel is a registered member of TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)

2.2. The tour programmes stated in Anzacdayreservation.com are operated by contracted licenced tour operaotors. Therefore all responsibility regarding the content of the programmes belongs to the associated travel agency / tour operator.

2.3. The itenaries which are stated in all tour programmes may change due to unseen circumcitances without any prior notice.

2.4. Anzacdayreservation and Lutars Ltd. are not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of personal luggage and other belongings, nor for personal injury, accident or illness. We urge you to check with your insurance carrier to ensure you and also purchase additional insurance to cover luggage, personal effects,accident and health. We strongly recommend you obtain cancellation insurance.

Cost of any tour provided By Anzacdayreservation.com Does Not Include:

If not specified visas, laundry, drinks at meals, sightseeing or services not included in the itinerary, excessive baggage charges, travel insurance including health, accident, baggage, trip cancellation and related issues, tipping for personal service, gratuity to guide and driver, airport departure taxes, port taxes, passport expenses, optionals, any personalized request, and any other issues which are not stated in the tour inclusions.

Important Notice:

Smoking is strongly restricted in tour coaches and close common areas.. Anzacdayreservation.com acts only as an agent between suppliers and consumers. Anzacdayreservation.com can not be held responsible for any cancellation of suppliers and unexpected circumtances but Anzacdayreservation does her best to ease the process for clients. If clients misses any part of the product because of their faults, clients can not claim any refund or coverage or replacement. Travellers are responsible for their personal security. Changes or cancellation on details in itinerary done by local suppliers are the responsibility of local suppliers. If a client disturbs other clients, cause any harm or damage to other clients and company, performs illegal and unetchic behaviours, Lutars and Anzacdayreservation may ask the client to leave the tour without any prior notice. Doing so, clients can not claim any refund or coverage or replacement.

Cancellation Policy:

If cancellation is done by suppliers, paid amount are fully refundable. If cancellation is not done by suppliers, All cancellations must be in writing in appropiate time and the following terms will apply on Cancellations:

Days prior to departure              Cancellation Fee

30 + Days            :                                        % 20

29-15 Days          :                                        % 35

14- 7 Days           :                                        % 50

Less than 6 day or while on tour              :      No Refunds.

 

Amendment Policy

The client can amend an exisitng reservation by sending an e-mail request to info@anzacdayreservation.com. The amendment request should be approved by the Anzacdayreservation.com staff. The approval of the amendment is subject to availibility in other tours and conditions. If the requested amended reservation total amount is higher than the exisiting reservation amount, no extra charge applies. If the requested amended reservation total amount is less than the exisiting reservation amount, then the following amendment fee applies over exisiting reservation amount.

Days prior to departure                  Amendment Fee

30 + Days            :                                      % 10

29-15 Days          :                                      % 25

14- 7 Days           :                                      % 30

Less than 6 day or while on tour    :                 % 50

 Refunds:

Anzacdayreservation.com will pay the refunds according to the cancellation policy to the provided guest credit card details. The bank transfer expenses will be deducted while performing refunds to the guest bank accounts.

Approval Statement

I hearby understand and confirm that Lutars Travel would charge credit card details in advance regarding the provided tour / service from www.anzacdayreservation.com. I accept that the refund of the charged amount is subject to cancellation policy.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2006[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2007[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2008[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2009[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2010[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2011[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2012[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"] Anzac Day 2013[/caption]

 

Anzac Day Tips

Preparing to attend ANZAC Day commemorations:

Anzac Day Tips; You should have a moderate level of fitness if you plan to attend the ANZAC Day commemorations in gallpoli.To attend the services you can expect to walk up to 8 kms on uneven surfaces.  The walk from the Dawn Service to Lone Pine where the Australian service is held as next service is approximately 3 kms and includes a section of 1.5 kms of uneven dirt surface with a steep incline.  The walk from Lone Pine to Chunuk Bair to join the New Zealand service will be is 3.2 kms up a steep bitumen surfaced road.

What to expect on ANZAC day in Gallipoli is;

All commemorative services are held in a National Park.

You will arrive in the late afternoon or at night when it may be extremely cold and windy, and it may rain.

You can expect to be on site upto 24 hours.

There is no shelter at any of the commemorative sites or within the ANZAC area.

Warm and wet weather protective clothing, as well as a hat/cap and sunscreen are necessary to ensure your wellbeing and comfort at the ceremonies.

You will walk considerable distances from the time of your arrival to attend the services until your departure from the ANZAC area - these walks are uphill including on graded dirt surfaces. You must have a moderate level of fitness and mobility to walk these distances.

Food and refreshments are available for purchase from the Turkish food sellers on site.  You may bring in your own food. Alcohol is NOT allowed at the commemorations and will be confiscated.

Limited basic facilities including toilets, lighting and non-drinking water are brought in to the commemorative sites for the ANZAC Day commemorations on 24 and 25 April.

Swimming in the waters off the ANZAC area is prohibited.

Packing for ANZAC Day in Gallpoli:

Participants of ANZAC Day with special needs are asked to ensure they are prepared to spend a night out in the cold and bring warm clothing, coat, gloves, hat, scarf and a blanket as a minimum.  There is no access to coaches after arrival, so everything you need during the evening and next day must be brought with you including medications.You may bring the things below and a small day pack may be useful to carry these items.

Warm, thermal clothing, jacket, beanie, hat or cap, gloves, scarf

Warm blanket (some of local agencies supply for you)

A wet weather jacket & pants, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes

Prescription medications (if necessary)

Food/snacks and drinking water

Sunscreen, torch Camera

We do not suggest to bring following itmes:

Items are prohibited in the commemorative areas. These items MUST be left on your coach/hotel.  All visitors to the commemorative services are screened on entry to the sites and all bags are searched before Dawn Service.

Alcohol (Intoxicated persons will be refused entry)

Large backpacks (luggage sized)

Camping equipment

Flammable liquids and weapons or sharp objects

Getting There for Dawn Service:

We do not suggest you to drive a private car to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day services. However, depending on the location of the parking area designated by Turkish authorities, visitors travelling by private vehicle may have to walk several kilometres along unlit or poorly lit roads before reaching the ANZAC Commemorative Site.  People may travel to the commemorations in private motor vehicles.  Private vehicles are prohibited from travelling to the Lone Pine, 57th Regiment Memorial or Chunuk Bair commemorative sites.People generally travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula by coach or minibus as part of a tour group.  Several kilometres from the ANZAC Commemorative Site, coaches and their passengers are welcomed by a member of the visitor services team and issued with coach identification information - a Coach Identification Number and individual tags for each passenger with their coach number on it.  This will help you to identify your coach at the end of the day.

Coaches set down their passengers at Beach Cemetery for Dawn service. It is about one kilometre (15 minutes walk) from the ANZAC Commemorative Site where the Dawn Service is held. You will pass through a security screening point before entering the site, then walk approximately ½ kilometre to the ceremonial area. On passing the security checkpoint at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, all visitors will be given a security wristband.  This wristband MUST be worn on the wrist until you leave the Gallipoli Historical National Park at the conclusion of the services.

Your coach will leave you on beach cemetery and they will be directed to set down area Chunuk Bair to be in line until after all commemorative services are completed on the afternoon of 25 April. When you disembark from your coach ensure you have everything you will need during the evening and next day, including medication.  To assist with security screening we suggest that keys, phones and coins are placed in your day pack or bag. You will not be able to go back to your coach if you forget anything or to return items that are prohibited on site.

Seating at the commemorative sites is available on grassed areas & in stands but cannot be reserved.  Once open on 24 April, the ANZAC Commemorative Site fills quickly.  People may end up sitting very close to each other and, if the site reaches capacity, people will be asked to stand.  Large groups who arrive later may not be able to find room to be seated as a group and should be prepared to split up.

The commemorative services are open to the public. Those attending the Dawn Service at the ANZAC Commemorative Site may go on to attend the Australian Service at Lone Pine as second service, the Turkish 57th Regiment Service at the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial as third service or the New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair as last service before getting back to bus. However, due to the walking distances and terrain between the commemorative sites and the number of visitors walking to each service it may not be possible to attend all four services. You should follow instructions issued by Turkish security personnel. Allow sufficient time to travel between the commemorative sites including time to pass through each site’s security checkpoint.

From Dawn Service to Lone Pine:

visitors walk along the ANZAC Cove Road and up Artillery Road to Lone Pine Cemetery for the 10:00am Australian Memorial Service From approximately 6:30am (after completion of the Dawn Service). This 3.1 kms walk takes visitors past the sites of Ari Burnu, Shrapnel Valley and Beach Cemeteries.  Shortly after Beach Cemetery, the route follows Artillery Road inland as it slopes uphill past Shell Green Cemetery to Lone Pine. Artillery Road is a dirt road and is steep and uneven in places.  In wet weather the road can be extremely difficult to walk.  The route is well signposted.  A moderate level of fitness is required.

From Lone Pine to Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial:

There is a short time to walk from Lone Pine to the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial service after the conclusion of the service at Lone Pine, a distance of 1.2 kms along an uphill bitumen road. The Turkish service starts at 11:15am, thirty minutes after the conclusion of the Lone Pine service.

From Lone Pine to Chunuk Bair:

The last service is The New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair commences at 12:30pm. The route slopes uphill past the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial (about 3.3 kms).  As you walk to Chunuk Bair, please respect the Turkish service in progress at the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial.  The walking time between Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.

Site information in Gallipoli:

Seating:

Temporary tiered seating is available at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair for the ANZAC Day services.  Small areas of reserved seating are set aside for the official party and people requiring special assistance. Seating can not be reserved for visitors and tour groups.  There are no sheltered areas at any of the commemorative sites. Visitors are not allowed to have items touching or to lean against any headstones in the commemorative sites.

Toilets:

Temporary chemical toilets and hand washing facilities are available on 24 and 25 April at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and on the way between sites.  The water at these locations is not potable and must not be used as drinking water. Permanent toilets are only available at the Kabatepe Museum, which is some distance from the commemorative sites.

Power, Water and Refreshments:

Be sure you charge all your batteries needed on site. There is no running water, power or lighting except for that in use for the services.  Bottled water is available for purchase from Turkish vendors at each of the commemorative sites. Local Turkish food and drink vendors sell limited quantities of their products within the Gallipoli Park. Most of tour suppliers provide breakfast and lunch boxex to their clients. Please check the inclusions of your tour with your tour director.

Important: Selling and Consuming alcohol within the National Park are not permitted.  The ban on alcohol is strictly enforced. Alcohol brought on site will be confiscated and intoxicated people will be denied entry.

Rubbish:

Rubbish disposal facilities are provided on each site. Because of numbers of visitors it may be diffucult to get sufficient rubbish disposal facilities. Visitors are asked to dispose of rubbish thoughtfully or, where possible, take rubbish with them. All visitors to the Dawn Service are provided with a biodegradable rubbish bag (as part of an information kit). Additional rubbish bags are available from event staff.

Lost Property:

If you lose or find property during the commemorations, please take it to the information tent and notify event staff.  Following the commemorations, lost property enquiries can be directed to event staff wşth uniforms. Property is only retained for a month and is held in Turkey.  Arrangements for, and costs of, shipping are the responsibility of individuals claiming lost items.

Safety and security:

The Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Ankara and the Australian Consulate in Canakkale work closely with Turkish authorities who are responsible for security for the commemorations.Crowd control barriers are used as a means of directing public access and protecting the surrounding environment. Security and crowd management measures include a ban on lighting fires, restrictions on entry points, individual searches and site security.  Certain areas of the ANZAC Commemorative Site (including the beach and ceremonial area) will be inaccessible to members the public for extended periods on 24 April and 25 April.

Public announcements on the large screens, will provide instructions in the event of an ncident. Messages will be displayed as well. You While safety lighting is installed at the ANZAC Commemorative Site for the evening of 24 April and for the Dawn Service, visitors may wish to bring torches. For emergencies you get in touch with event staff or Turkish military staff. Basic first aid facilities are available from 3pm on 24 April and during the day on 25 April.

Traffic and crowd management:

Turkish Jandarma is responsible of the Management of traffic on the Gallipoli Peninsula.  The number of large vehicles on the narrow roads of the Gallipoli Peninsula during 24 and 25 April means that traffic restrictions must be strictly enforced. Visitors may arrive in private vehicles but they should be aware that designated parking areas may be several kilometres from the Dawn Service site, the walk from the parking area to the site may be along unlit or poorly lit roads, and private vehicles are prohibited from travelling between commemorative sites.  Those attending ANZAC Day services on the Gallipoli Peninsula should plan their visit accordingly.

Tour coaches will not be permitted to travel through the ANZAC Commemorative Site from the afternoon of 24 April in Gallipoli.  Coaches are stopped one kilometre from the site at the Beach Cemetery passenger set down point and visitors will be required to walk from there to the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Coaches will not commence the collection of passengers until after the conclusion of the Chunuk Bair service (at approximately 13:15 ) on 25 April. Coaches will collect passengers only from the commemorative sites.  Pick-up takes until 4 or 5pm for all coaches to pick up their passengers.Further information about traffic arrangements will be available and provided by the announcers on site.

Anzac Day Revival

Anzac Day Revival; Following Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, interest in Anzac Day reached its lowest point. On 26 April 1975, The Australian newspaper covered the passing of Anzac Day in a single story. Anzac Day now draws record crowds, with an increasing number of those attending being young Australians, many of whom attend ceremonies swathed in Australian flags, wearing green and gold T-shirts and beanies and with Australian flag tattoos imprinted on their skin. This phenomenon has been perceived by some as a reflection of younger generations of Australians wanting to honour the sacrifices made by the previous generations. Critics, however, see the revival as part of a rise of unreflective nationalism in Australia which was particularly fostered by the then Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

Some critics have suggested that the revival in public interest in Anzac Day amongst the young results from the fact that younger Australians have not themselves experienced war. For decades, there have been concerns that the participation of young people in Anzac Day events has injected a carnival element into what is traditionally a solemn occasion. The change was highlighted by a rock concert-style performance at the 2005 Anzac Cove commemoration during which attendees drank and slept between headstones. After the event the site was left strewn with rubbish. In 2013, historian Jonathan King expressed concern about the rising popularity of Anzac Day, arguing that "escalating commercial pressures threaten to turn the centenary [of the landing at Gallipoli into a Big Day Out."

Anzac Day Criticism and Protests

Criticism and protests; Anzac Day has been criticised by a number of Australians and New Zealanders. Radical socialists and pacifists have condemned Anzac Day since its inception. One early controversy occurred in 1960 with the publication of Alan Seymour's classic play, The One Day of the Year, which dramatised the growing social divide in Australia and the questioning of old values. In the play, Anzac Day is critiqued by the central character, Hughie, as a day of drunken debauchery by returned soldiers and as a day when questions of what it means to be loyal to a nation or Empire must be raised. The play was scheduled to be performed at the inaugural Adelaide Festival of Arts, but after complaints from the Returned Services League, the governors of the Festival refused permission for this to occur.

Anzac Day has also been marked by protests against contemporary wars; for instance, protests against the Vietnam War were common Anzac Day occurrences during the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1980s, Australian feminists used the annual Anzac Day march to protest against rape and violence in war and were banned from marching. There were also Anzac Day protests in New Zealand, mostly in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1967, two members of the left-wing Progressive Youth Movement in Christchurch staged a minor protest at the Anzac Day ceremony, laying a wreath protesting against the Vietnam War. They were subsequently convicted of disorderly conduct, but that was not the last time that the March was used as a vehicle for protest. In 1978, a women's group laid a wreath dedicated to all the women raped and killed during war, and movements for feminism, gay rights, and peace used the occasion to draw attention to their respective causes at various times during the 1980s. More recently, protest groups have expressed concern about New Zealand's involvement in 18 United Nations missions including Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and East Timor.

In 2005, criticism surrounded the daybreak service at Anzac Cove after the screening of a rock concert-style commemoration of popular musical artists, with the site being left strewn with rubbish.

In October 2008, former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating stated that he believes it is misguided for people to gather each year at Anzac Cove to commemorate the landing at Gallipoli, because it is "utter and complete nonsense" to suggest that the nation was "born again or even, redeemed there." The then Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd rejected Keating's views, saying the Gallipoli campaign is "part of our national consciousness, it's part of our national psyche, it's part of our national identity, and I, for one, as Prime Minister of the country, am absolutely proud of it."

Other criticisms have revolved around a perceived overzealousness in Australian attachment to the event, either from participants unaware of the loss or when the focus is at the expense of remembrance of the contribution of New Zealand. In 2005, then Prime Minister, John Howard was criticised for shunning the New Zealand Anzac ceremony at Gallipoli, preferring instead to spend his morning at a barbecue on the beach with Australian soldiers. In 2009, New Zealand historians noted that some Australian children were unaware that New Zealand was a part of ANZAC.

Other Overseas Anzac Day Ceremonies

Other overseas ceremonies; The High Commissioners of Australia and New Zealand lay wreaths at an Anzac Day ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

In Kanchanaburi, Thailand, a dawn service is held at Hellfire Pass, a rock cutting dug by allied Prisoners of War and Asian labourers for the Thai-Burma Railway. This cutting is where the greatest number of lives were lost during railway construction. The dawn service is followed by a "gunfire breakfast" (coffee with a shot (or two) of rum) recalling the 'breakfast' taken by many soldiers before facing battle. At 11 am a second ceremony is held at the main POW cemetery in the city of Kanchanaburi, where 6,982 POWs are buried, mostly British, Australian, Dutch and Canadians. Over the years, both services have been attended by some Anzac ex-POWs and their families travelling from Australia, as well as ambassadors from the Australian and New Zealand consulates, the Kanchanaburi Provincial Governor, and others. The closest Saturday to Anzac Day also sees the ex-POWs attend an Australian Rules football match between the Thailand Tigers AFL club and a team invited from neighbouring Asian countries.

In Newfoundland, Canada, the Gallipoli offensive is commemorated each year on 25 April by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who hold a march from Government House through the streets of St. John's ending at the National War Memorial. Members of both the Australian and New Zealand armed forces are invited each year to participate in the march and wreath laying ceremonies. Other Canadian communities also mark Anzac Day; Calgary has had a Cenotaph Service annually at Central Park with participation from the local military.

In London, England, a 5 am Dawn Service is held, alternating between the Australian War Memorial, and the more recently constructed New Zealand War Memorial, both of which are at Hyde Park Corner. The day is also marked by an 11 am Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at The Cenotaph, Whitehall, which is attended by official representatives and veterans associations of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and other countries. This is directly followed by a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. All three events are usually attended by a member of the Royal Family representing the Queen, and by the High Commissioners of Australia and New Zealand. Anzac Day has been officially observed in London since 1916, when King George V and Queen Mary attended the first commemorative service at the Abbey.

In France in the towns of Le Quesnoy and Longueval and in the town of Villers-Bretonneux (on the next closest weekend) because on 25 April 1918, the village of Villers-Bretonneux was liberated by the Anzacs. The Australian Government holds an annual dawn service at the Australian National Memorial just outside the small town of Villers-Bretonneux.

In French Polynesia, Anzac Day has been commemorated with an official ceremony held in Papeete since 2006. The 2009 ceremony was attended by French Polynesia President Oscar Temaru, who praised the "courage and liberty" of Australian and New Zealand soldiers in a statement.

In Germany, Anzac Day is commemorated in Berlin, at the Commonwealth Kriegsgräber, Charlottenburg.

In Hong Kong, a simple dawn commemorative service is held at The Cenotaph (Hong Kong) in Central, with a member of the Hong Kong Police Band playing the Last Post and Reveille from the balcony of the nearby Hong Kong Club.

In Kiribati, Anzac Day is commemorated at the Coast Watchers Memorial on the islet of Betio, Tarawa, hosted by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions.

In Cairo, Egypt, Anzac Day is remembered by the expatriate New Zealand and Australian communities with a dawn ceremony held at the Old Cairo War Graves Cemetery, Abu Seifen Street, Old Cairo. New Zealand and Australian Embassies rotate hosting the service.

In the United States, Anzac Day is commemorated at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood, California. The New Zealand and Australian Consulates-General rotate hosting the service. The largest expatriate community of New Zealanders and Australians are in Southern California, hence this location. In New York a small mid-morning tribute to Anzac Day is held in the roof garden in the British Empire Building in Rockefeller Plaza, 620 5th Avenue, overlooking St. Patrick's Cathedral, on the Sunday nearest 25 April; it is an annual tradition that has been held at this locale since 1950. In Washington DC, Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women observe Anzac Day at a dawn service at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on 25 April each year. In Hawaii the Marine Corps hosts an Anzac Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as "The Punchbowl", where several dignitaries from many countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S. attend to commemorate the memory of all who have fallen for their country. In Santa Barbara, California, Anzac Day is remembered by the expatriate Australian and New Zealand communities. In the absence of an official World War I remembrance, several dignitaries from many countries including Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. attend an 11.11 am morning service held at the Elings Park Veteran's Memorial Walk on 25 April of each year.

In Ireland, Anzac Day is remembered by the expatriate New Zealand and Australian communities. In the absence of an official World War I remembrance, and in honour of Irish soldiers who fought and perished in the Dardanelles and elsewhere, Anzac Day commemorations are also attended by members of veterans groups and historical societies, including the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, O.N.E.T., the Royal British Legion, UN Veterans, and more. Since the mid-1980s, an evening service has been organised by the New Zealand-Ireland Association, which currently takes place in St Ann's Church, Dawson St, Dublin 2. For the 90th anniversary in 2005, a daylight service was held for the first time in the re-furbished Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Dublin 7. A Turkish Hazel tree, planted by the Ambassadors of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey, commemorates this occasion. It can be found to the south of the limestone Memorial Wall. Since this date, a dawn service has been held at this location. At the Ballance House in County Antrim, the official New Zealand centre in Northern Ireland, a midday Anzac reception and act of remembrance takes place.

In Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England, a March is held on the nearest Sunday to Anzac Day. The service is held in a graveyard with several war graves of service men from Australia and New Zealand. Veterans and cadets from the local ATC squadron attend.

In Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, an Anzac Day service is organised by the Oxford University Australia New Zealand Society, and held at one of the college chapels. Australians, Kiwis, and Turkish students are all usually involved.

A service of remembrance to commemorate Anzac Day and Gallipoli is held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England, UK. This commences with a service in the chapel followed by wreath laying at the Gallipoli memorial.

Anzac Day Turkey

Anzac Day Turkey; In Turkey the name "ANZAC Cove" was officially recognised by the Turkish government on Anzac Day in 1985. In 1934, Kemal Atatürk delivered the following words to the first Australians, New Zealanders and British to visit the Gallipoli battlefields. This was later inscribed on a monolith at Ari Burnu Cemetery (ANZAC Beach) which was unveiled in 1985. The words also appear on the Kemal Atatürk Memorial, Canberra, and the Atatürk Memorial in Wellington:

"Those heroes that shed their blood

And lost their lives.

You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.

Therefore rest in peace.

There is no difference between the Johnnies

And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side

Here in this country of ours.

You, the mothers,

Who sent their sons from far away countries

Wipe away your tears,

Your sons are now lying in our bosom

And are in peace

After having lost their lives on this land they have

Become our sons as well."

In 1990, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, Government officials from Australia and New Zealand (including Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and New Zealand Governor-General Paul Reeves) as well as most of the last surviving Gallipoli veterans, and many Australian and New Zealand tourists travelled to Turkey for a special Dawn Service at Gallipoli. The Gallipoli Dawn Service was held at the Ari Burnu War Cemetery at Anzac Cove, but the growing numbers of people attending resulted in the construction of a more spacious site on North Beach, known as the "Anzac Commemorative Site" in time for the year 2000 service.

A ballot will be held to allocate passes for Australians and New Zealanders wishing to attend Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015. Of the 10,500 people that can be safely, securely and comfortably accommodated at the Anzac Commemorative Site, in 2015 this will comprise places for: 8000 Australians, 2000 New Zealanders and 500 official representatives of all nations involved in the Gallipoli campaign. The ballot is open from 1 November 2013 - 31 January 2014. Australians can apply at www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au New Zealanders can apply at www.gallipoli2015.govt.nz Eligibility requirements apply for all places.

Anzac Day New Zealand

Anzac Day New Zealand; New Zealand's Commemoration of Anzac Day is similar. The number of New Zealanders attending Anzac Day events in New Zealand, and at Gallipoli, is increasing. For some, the day adds weight to the idea that war is futile.

Dawn Marches and other memorials nationwide are typically attended by the New Zealand Defence Force, the New Zealand Cadet Forces, members of the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service, Order of St John Ambulance Service (Youth and Adult Volunteers) as well as Scouting New Zealand, GirlGuiding New Zealand and other uniformed community service groups including in most places the local Pipe Band to lead or accompany the March, and sometimes a Brass Band to accompany the hymns.

Anzac Day now promotes a sense of unity, perhaps more effectively than any other day on the national calendar. People whose politics, beliefs and aspirations are widely different can nevertheless share a genuine sorrow at the loss of so many lives in war.

Paper poppies are widely distributed by the Returned Services Association and worn as symbols of remembrance. This tradition follows that of the wearing of poppies on Remembrance Sunday in other Commonwealth countries.

The day is a public holiday in New Zealand. Shops are prohibited from opening before 1 pm as per the Anzac Day Act 1966. A prior Act passed in 1949 prevented the holiday from being "Mondayised" (moved to the 26th or 27th should the 25th fall on a weekend), although this drew criticism from trade unionists and Labour Party politicians. In 2013 a bill was passed to Mondayise Anzac Day, the Labour Party getting enough votes from other parties, despite Government opposition. Waitangi Day was Mondayised in the same bill.

Australian Football for Anzac Day

Australian football for Anzac Day; In attendance at the 2008 Anzac Day National Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra are Angus Houston, Chief of the Defence Force (Australia) (left), Murray Gleeson then Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (centre), Peter Cosgrove, immediate past Chief of the Defence Force (Australia) (second from right), and Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia (right).

During many wars, Australian rules football matches have been played overseas in places like northern Africa, Vietnam, and Iraq as a celebration of Australian culture and as a bonding exercise between soldiers. In 1975, the VFL/AFL first commemorated Anzac Day and the Anzac spirit with a match of Australian rules football between Essendon and Carlton in a one-off match in front of a large crowd of 77,770 at VFL Park, Waverley, with Essendon coming out winners.

The modern-day tradition began in 1995 and is played every year between traditional AFL rivals Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG. This annual match is often considered the biggest of the AFL season outside of the finals, sometimes drawing bigger crowds than all but the Grand Final, and often selling out in advance. A record crowd of 94,825 people attended the inaugural match in 1995. The Anzac Medal is awarded to the player in the match who best exemplifies the Anzac spirit – skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play.

In 2013, St Kilda and the Sydney Swans played an Anzac Day game in Wellington, New Zealand, the first AFL game played for premiership points outside of Australia.The winning team, Sydney, were presented with the inaugural Simpson-Henderson Trophy by the Prime Minister of New Zealand. The trophy was named after two notable Anzac soldiers: John Simpson Kirkpatrick and Richard Alexander Henderson.

Rugby League football

Beginning in 1997, the Anzac Test, a rugby league test match, has commemorated Anzac Day, though it is typically played a week prior to Anzac Day. The match is always played between the Australian and New Zealand national teams, and has drawn attendances of between 20,000 and 45,000 in the past.

Domestically, matches have been played on Anzac Day since 1927 (with occasional exceptions). Since 2002, the National Rugby League (NRL) has followed the lead of the Australian Football League, hosting a match between traditional rivals St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters each year to commemorate Anzac Day in the Club ANZAC Game, although these two sides had previously met on Anzac Day several times as early as the 1970s. Since 2009, an additional Anzac Day game has been played between the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors.

Australian Postage Stamps

Australian postage stamps; Australia Post has issued stamps over the years to commemorate Anzac Day, the first being in 1935 for the 20th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

The full list of issued stamps is as follows:

1935 – 20th Anniversary (2 values) 2d Red and 1/- Black featuring the London Cenotaph.

1965 – 50th Anniversary (3 values) 5d Khaki, 8d Blue and 2/3 Maroon featuring Simpson and his donkey.

1990 – 75th Anniversary (5 values) 41¢ x 2, 65¢, $1, and $1.10 all featuring various Anzac themes.

2000 – ANZAC legends (4 values) 45¢ x 4 featuring Walter Parker, Roy Longmore, Alec Campbell and the Anzac medal.

In 1955, the then current 3½d Purple Nursing commemorative stamp was privately overprinted with the words "ANZAC 1915–1955 40 YEARS LEST WE FORGET" and a value ranging from 1d to £1 was also added which was the fundraising amount in addition to the legal cost of stamp of which the denomination was 3½d. Eight values were issued and were intended to raise funds for the Anzac commemorations. It is believed these stamps were authorised by the secretary of a leading Melbourne RSL club.

Anzac Day Australia

Australia; Anzac Day is a national public holiday and is considered by many Australians to be one of the most solemn days of the year. Marches by veterans from all past wars, as well as current serving members of the Australian Defence Force and Reserves, with allied veterans as well as the Australian Defence Force Cadets and Australian Air League and supported by members of Scouts Australia, Guides Australia, and other uniformed service groups, are held in cities and towns nationwide. The Anzac Day March from each state capital is televised live with commentary. These events are generally followed by social gatherings of veterans, hosted either in a public house or in an RSL club, often including a traditional Australian gambling game called two-up, which was an extremely popular pastime with ANZAC soldiers. The importance of this tradition is demonstrated by the fact that though most Australian states have laws forbidding gambling outside of designated licensed venues, on Anzac Day it is legal to play "two-up".

Despite federation being proclaimed in Australia in 1901, it is argued that the "national identity" of Australia was largely forged during the violent conflict of World War I, and the most iconic event in the war for most Australians was the landing at Gallipoli. Dr. Paul Skrebels of the University of South Australia has noted that Anzac Day has continued to grow in popularity; even the threat of a terrorist attack at the Gallipoli site in 2004 did not deter some 15,000 Australians from making the pilgrimage to Turkey to commemorate the fallen ANZAC troops.

Although commemoration events are always held on 25 April, most states and territories currently observe a substitute public holiday on the following Monday when Anzac Day falls on a Sunday. When Anzac Day falls on Easter Monday, such as in 2011, the Easter Monday holiday is transferred to Tuesday. This followed a 2008 meeting of the Council for the Australian Federation in which the states and territories made an in principle agreement to work towards making this a universal practice. However in 2009, the Legislative Council of Tasmania rejected a bill amendment that would have enabled the substitute holiday in that state.

Anzac Day Commemoration

Anzac Day Commemoration; The Last Post is played at an Anzac Day ceremony in Port Melbourne, Victoria, 25 April 2005. Ceremonies like this are held in virtually every suburb and town in Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day each year.

In Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day commemoration features solemn "Dawn Services" or "Dawn Marches", a tradition started in Albany, Western Australia on 25 April 1923 and now held at war memorials around both countries, accompanied by thoughts of those lost at war to the ceremonial sounds of the Last Post on the bugle. The fourth stanza of Laurence Binyon's poem For the Fallen (known as the "Ode of Remembrance", or simply as "the Ode") is often recited.

Anzac Day Dawn Service

 

Anzac Day Dawn service; After the First World War, returned soldiers sought the comradeship they felt in those quiet, peaceful moments before dawn. With symbolic links to the dawn landing at Gallipoli, a dawn stand-to or dawn ceremony became a common form of Anzac Day remembrance during the 1920s.

The first official dawn service was held at the Sydney Cenotaph in 1927. Dawn services were originally very simple and followed the operational ritual; in many cases they were restricted to veterans only. The daytime ceremony was for families and other well-wishers and the dawn service was for returned soldiers to remember and reflect among the comrades with whom they shared a special bond.

The wreath laying at the 2008 dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, London.

Before dawn the gathered veterans would be ordered to "stand-to" and two minutes of silence would follow. At the start of this time a lone bugler would play the Last Post and then concluded the service with Reveille. In more recent times the families and young people have been encouraged to take part in dawn services, and services in Australian capital cities have seen some of the largest turnouts ever. Reflecting this change, the ceremonies have become more elaborate, incorporating hymns, readings, pipers and rifle volleys. Others, though, have retained the simple format of the dawn stand-to, familiar to so many soldiers.

Australian War Memorial Anzac Day dawn service, 25 April 2013. The crowd of around 35,000 people is addressed by Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG who is reading stories and anecdotes from Australian service men and women relating to the war in Afghanistan.

Typical modern dawn services follow a pattern that is now familiar to generations of Australians, containing the following features: introduction, hymn, prayer, an address, laying of wreaths, recitation, the playing of the Last Post, a minute of silence, Reveille, and the playing of both the New Zealand and Australian national anthems. At the Australian War Memorial, following events such as the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services, families often place artificial red poppies beside the names of relatives on the Memorial's Roll of Honour. In Australia, sprigs of rosemary are often worn on lapels and in New Zealand poppies have taken on this role.

Anzac Day since World War II

Anzac Day since World War II; With the coming of the Second World War, Anzac Day became a day on which to commemorate the lives of Australians and New Zealanders lost in that war as well and in subsequent years. The meaning of the day has been further broadened to include those killed in all the military operations in which the countries have been involved.

Anzac Day was first commemorated at the Australian War Memorial in 1942, but, due to government orders preventing large public gatherings in case of Japanese air attack, it was a small affair and was neither a march nor a memorial service. Anzac Day has been annually commemorated at the Australian War Memorial ever since.

 

 

In New Zealand, Anzac Day saw a surge in popularity immediately after World War II. However this was short-lived, and by the 1950s many New Zealanders had become antagonistic or indifferent towards the day. Much of this was linked to the legal ban on commerce on Anzac Day, and the banning by many local authorities of sports events and other entertainment on the day. Annoyance was particularly pronounced in 1953 and 1959, when Anzac Day fell on a Saturday. There was widespread public debate on the issue, with some people calling for the public holiday to be moved to the nearest Sunday or abolished altogether. In 1966 a new Anzac Day Act was passed, allowing sport and entertainment in the afternoon.

From the 1960s, but especially in the 1970s and 1980s, Anzac Day became increasingly controversial in both Australia and New Zealand. The day was used by anti-Vietnam War protesters to agitate against that war and war in general, and ceremonies were later targeted by feminists, anti-nuclear campaigners, Maori activists and others. From about the late 1980s, however, there was an international resurgence of interest in World War I and its commemorations. Anzac Day attendances rose in Australia and New Zealand, with young people taking a particular interest. Protests and controversy became much rarer.

Australians and New Zealanders recognise 25 April as a ceremonial occasion to reflect on the cost of war and to remember those who fought and lost their lives for their country. Commemorative services and marches are held at dawn, the time of the original landing, mainly at war memorials in cities and towns across both nations and the sites of some of Australia and New Zealand's more-recognised battles and greatest losses, such as Villers-Bretonneux in France and Gallipoli in Turkey.

One of the traditions of Anzac Day is the 'gunfire breakfast' (coffee with rum added) which occurs shortly after many dawn ceremonies, and recalls the 'breakfast' taken by many soldiers before facing battle. Later in the day, ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen meet and join in marches through the major cities and many smaller centres.

Foundations of Anzac Day

Foundations of Anzac Day; On 30 April 1915, when the first news of the landing reached New Zealand, a half-day holiday was declared and impromptu services were held.

In South Australia, Eight Hour Day, 13 October 1915 was renamed "Anzac Day" and a carnival was organised to raise money for the Wounded Soldiers Fund.

The date 25 April was officially named Anzac Day in 1916; in that year it was marked by a wide variety of ceremonies and services in Australia and New Zealand, including a commemorative march through London involving Australian and New Zealand troops. In New Zealand it was gazetted as a half-day holiday. Australian Great War battalion and brigade war diaries show that on this first anniversary, units including those on the front line, made efforts to solemnise the memory of those who were killed this day twelve months previously. A common format found in the war diaries by Australian and New Zealand soldiers for the day commenced with a dawn requiem mass, followed mid-morning with a commemorative service, and after lunch organised sports activities with the proceeds of any gambling going to Battalion funds. This occurred in Egypt as well.

In London, over 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets of the city. A London newspaper headline dubbed them "The Knights of Gallipoli". Marches were held all over Australia in 1916; wounded soldiers from Gallipoli attended the Sydney march in convoys of cars, accompanied by nurses. Over 2,000 people attended the service in Rotorua. For the remaining years of the war, Anzac Day was used as an occasion for patriotic rallies and recruiting campaigns, and marches of serving members of the AIF were held in most cities. From 1916 onwards, in both Australia and New Zealand, Anzac memorials were held on or about 25 April, mainly organised by returned servicemen and school children in cooperation with local authorities.

Anzac Day was gazetted as a public holiday in New Zealand in 1920, through the Anzac Day Act, after lobbying by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, the RSA. In Australia at the 1921 State Premiers' Conference, it was decided that Anzac Day would be observed on 25 April each year. However, it was not observed uniformly in all the states.

During the 1920s, Anzac Day became established as a National Day of Commemoration for the 60,000 Australians and 18,000 New Zealanders who died during the war. The first year in which all the Australian states observed some form of public holiday together on Anzac Day was 1927. By the mid-1930s, all the rituals now associated with the day—dawn vigils, marches, memorial services, reunions, sly two-up games—became part of Australian Anzac Day culture. New Zealand commemorations also adopted many of these rituals, with the dawn service being introduced from Australia in 1939.

Gallipoli Campaign and Anzacs

Gallipoli Campaign; In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, according to a plan by Winston Churchill to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, which was an ally of Germany during the war. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Army commanded by Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk). What had been planned as a bold strike to knock the Ottomans out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. The Allied casualties included 21,255 from the United Kingdom, an estimated 10,000 dead soldiers from France, 8,709 from Australia, 2,721 from New Zealand, and 1,358 from British India. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

Though the Gallipoli campaign failed to achieve its military objectives of capturing Constantinople and knocking the Ottoman Empire out of the war, the actions of the Australian and New Zealand troops during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an "Anzac legend" became an important part of the national identity in both countries. This has shaped the way their citizens have viewed both their past and their understanding of the present.

Anzac Day History

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand, a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name. When war broke out in 1914, Australia and New Zealand had been dominions of the British Empire for thirteen and seven years respectively.

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served." Originally 25 April every year was to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, and Tonga. It is no longer observed as a national holiday in Papua New Guinea or Samoa.