ANZAC Day

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The ANZAC legend began on April 1915, when forces from Australia and New Zealand joined their allies to invade the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands of allied soldiers were killed. In order to remember the sacrifice made by the soldiers, the tradition of ANZAC Day began on April 25th 1916. The ANZAC legend now refers to all Australian and New Zealand forces who fought and died in all wars.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC day services are held around the country each year on April 25th. The services are often run and/or supported by churches. They feature Christian prayers and hymns.

The Recessional Hymn features at every Anzac Service. It is based on an ode by the English poet Rudyard Kipling written in 1897.

"God of our fathers, known of old
Lord of our far-flung battle line
Beneath Whose awful Hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest, we forget, lest we forget."

This is where the words "Lest we forget" came from. These words are now quoted in remembrance of those who gave their lives.