Who understands the significance of ANZAC day, April 25?

I understand it. I wish more Americans displayed more passion when we celebrate its equivalent here.

Most of us Yanks have never heard of Anzac Day and those who have heard of it are puzzled. If I understand this correctly, it celebrates the beginning of a battle on Gallipoli where thousands of brave troops died because of British incompetance, never got off the beach head and eventually had to be evacuated. It would be like the US celebrating the battle at Kasserine Pass or the surrender of Corregidor. I suppose there are cultural issues I’m missing in all of this.

@stranger_in_a_strange_land It is not much different than Memorial Day should be to us Yanks. A remembrance of those who died in service to our country.

In honor of Anzac Day, here’s a beautiful song by folksinger Eric Bogle about Gallipoli for all you Aussies. Very poignant.

As a proud Aussie, I understand and deeply cherish this day.

@stranger_in_a_strange_land Gallipoli is so special to us because it showed to the new nation of Australia that we could display amazing courage and determination even in the face of impossible odds. Aussie soldiers have a well earned reputation of showing amazing courage and determination against the odds, for example holding off General Rommel in Tobruk, and that principle held in Gallipoli when the odds were astronomical. We may have lost the battle, but it galvanised our country and gave our troops an example to look to when the going is tough.

@FireMadeFlesh Aussies rock!

@janbb Thanks! I agree, obviously.

FMF has said what I would have- it is representative of all the courage and spirirt that makes this nation great.

it’s a public holiday that honours Australian and New Zealander troops that fought in the first and second world wars.
it represents courage, mateship, freedom and what it means to australian.