Kiwification

photo credit: me_tunn

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

- “For The Fallen”, by Laurence Binyon

Today is ANZAC day. It’s a national public holiday to commemorate all New Zealanders (and Australians) killed in military service, and to honor returning servicemen and women.

What’s ANZAC day about?

The date, April 25th, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

In 1915, in World War I, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, with the objective of removing Turkey from the war.

However, the bold plan failed, and troops were withdrawn after eight months of stalemate, heavy casualties suffered by both sides. Over 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers died.

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 war.

Commemorating ANZAC Day in New Zealand

ANZAC Day “Dawn Services” are held at war memorials across New Zealand and Australia. You can find a service to attend on the RSA’s Guide to ANZAC Day 2008 website.

The Auckland Museum, Te Papa Museum (Wellington), and the Army Museum (Waiouru) all have ANZAC Day-related activities and exhibitions scheduled.

No trading until after 1pm on ANZAC Day in New Zealand

In accordance with the fourth revision of the “ANZAC Day Act” (of 1966), ANZAC Day is a “half-day” public holiday, meaning that businesses can open for trade from 1pm onwards.

If ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on the Sunday, and will not be moved to the Monday.

Lest We Forget…

ANZAC Biscuits

As an interesting sidenote, ANZAC biscuits (called “oatmeal cookies” in the rest of the world) are often used as a fundraising item for the RSA and the RSL veterans organizations.

Here’s a recipe.