The Anzac legend
NOT IN THE TEST This part is worth reading, but the citizenship test never asks about it.
The Anzac tradition was forged on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye.
The landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 marked the start of a campaign that lasted eight months and resulted in more than 26,000 Australian casualties, including more than 8000 who were killed or died of disease. The bravery and spirit of those who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula shaped a legend, and the term ‘Anzac’ became part of the Australian and New Zealand language.
On 25 April 1916, Australia, New Zealand, England and troops in Egypt observed the first anniversary of this landing. From then onwards, 25 April was known as Anzac Day.
By the 1920s, Anzac Day ceremonies were held throughout Australia and the states had designated Anzac Day as a public holiday. Major war memorials were built in the capital cities, and monuments in cities and towns across the nation are tributes to the young men and women killed in that and later conflicts.
Anzac Day is a day on which to honour all those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and their mateship, endurance in the face of adversity and sacrifices made for our future. It is also a day for reflecting on the many different meanings of war.
Today, Anzac Day is commemorated in Australia and around the world. Returned Australian servicemen and women, peacekeepers and veterans from other countries, all march proudly in Anzac Day parades.
From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet