(Australian Associated Press)
HISTORY OF THE ANZAC MARCH
- ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
- Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I.
- April 25 was officially declared Anzac Day in 1916 with marches and ceremonies across Australia, in London and New Zealand, while General Sir John Monash paraded Australian troops in Egypt.
- By the mid-1930s the rituals associated with the day were entrenched across the nation. Following WWII, commemorations were expanded to include all Australian military who lost their lives in any conflict or peacekeeping operation.
- This year marks the first time in more than a century that marches have been cancelled and the first time ever that no public ceremonies will take place.
- In 1919, the Spanish flu pandemic saw marches scrapped and commemoration of the day reduced to a public service in Sydney’s Domain with people made to wear masks and stand three feet apart
HOW WE WILL REMEMBER THE ANZACS THIS YEAR
- Australians are being asked to commemorate Anzac Day at home by lighting a candle to fallen heroes on their front lawns, in their driveways or on their balconies or verandahs as the sun comes up.
- From 6am, several channels will broadcast a short commemorative service from the Australian War Memorial comprising The Ode, The Last Post, a minute’s silence and Reveille.
- Links to video streams will be shared closer to the day for people to view on computers, phones or tablets, and free candle apps will be available to download.
- Families participating in the Light Up the Dawn campaign are also being encouraged to share mateship-themed video and image tributes on social media.