Lest we forget
New Zealand and Australian soldiers landing at Anzac Cove, 25 April 1915, Alexander Turnbull Library
What does Anzac stand for?
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Why Anzac Day?
The date, April 25, marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, during World War I.
Anzac Day is celebrated in both New Zealand and Australia and while it officially marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings it has expanded to include all Kiwi soldiers killed in war while also honoring returned servicemen and women.
What’s the significance of Gallipoli?
The battle at Gallipoli - a steep, rocky peninsula in Turkey - was one of New Zealand’s bloodiest campaigns which ended unsuccessfully for the Anzac soldiers with Gallipoli still held by its Turkish defenders nine long months later. The death toll included 2721 Kiwi soldiers - almost one in four of those who served on Gallipoli - 8500 Australians, 87,000 Turkish soldiers and 44,000 men from France and the British Empire.
How many wars has New Zealand fought in?
Aside from World War I and II, Kiwi soldiers have fought in a number of other conflicts including Asia 1948-72, The Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Malayan Emergency and Confrontation in Borneo. Kiwi soldiers have battled in a number of conflict zones overseas including Afghanistan, Timor- Leste, Solomon Islands, Egypt, Middle East, Sudan, Iraq and South Korea.
The NZ Army says there are currently 625 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, UN missions and defence exercises across 10 countries.
Why is the poppy the symbol for Anzac Day?
Red poppies are worn as a mark of respect to those who died during service to their country. The poppy has its origins in the early 20th century, when red or Flanders poppies bloomed over the graves of soldiers in France and Belgium.
The poppies became the symbol of remembrance following a poem written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian medical officer, called In Flanders Fields.
Sources: NZ History Online and NZ Army
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