On April 25, every Australian is especially proud of their country. Every year on this day, Australia and New Zealand celebrate ANZAC Day — Defender of the Fatherland Day. On this day, solemn ceremonies of memory and gratitude are held throughout the country, and, in fact, — in two countries, dedicated to all men and women who died in wars.
ANZAC — abbreviation Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The name was first used to refer to soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on April 25, 1915 — during the First World War. And although this operation, called the Dardanelles, ended in defeat, the ANZAC troops especially distinguished themselves in it.
Over time, ANZAC warriors became part of Australian «national self-determination», and the first test of bravery for the nation was the Battle of Gallipoli.
On 30 April 1915, when the first news of the landings in Turkey reached New Zealand, the day was declared a holiday and impromptu services were held in churches. From 1916 to the present, services have been held on April 25 in both Australia and New Zealand.
The tradition of meeting veterans of different wars with schoolchildren, local officials, friends and colleagues remains unchanged. A football match takes place in Melbourne on this day, which attracts up to one hundred thousand spectators annually.
Although Australia Day is still considered the country's main holiday, for many Australians ANZAC Day — is a real national holiday.