Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It is a day that marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
What is Respect the Day?
This is a campaign which was created to remind people of the special significance that ANZAC Day holds within our society and encourages Australians to reflect on how we should behave on this sacred day.
This campaign has 5 call to action points:
- Celebrate our freedoms- In Australia, we are a free and democratic nation with a diverse population who live harmoniously together. The freedoms we have are ones that our service men and women have been fighting to protect since the First World War.
- Honour Our Traditions: The ceremonies and services that take place on ANZAC Day are for all Australians. From the Dawn Service to the Last Post, these traditions give people the chance to reflect upon the losses suffered, the sacrifices made and the need to strive for peace whenever we can.
- Look after your Mates: Mateship was a big part of the ANZAC spirit and helped many Diggers get through the horrors of the trenches. Mateship is an important part of Australian culture and young people should be looking out for each other.
- Remember their sacrifice: The men and women that have served our nation, protecting us and fighting for the freedoms we enjoy, have made enormous sacrifices both mentally and physically. World War 1 saw a massive number of casualties with 61,522 Australian lives lost, with an estimated 8,709 lost during the Gallipoli campaign. 156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner. We remember ANZAC Day to remind us all of the huge price that is paid when war is waged.
- Respect the Day: ANZAC Day is not just a public holiday with an excuse to drink, ANZAC Day is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are, the sacrifices that have been made for us to live in a free and fair nation and to enjoy the company of our friends and family.
