The tradition that became ANZAC Day originated during World War I when Australian and New Zealand troops first landed on the shore of Galllipoli in Turkey on the morning of 25 April 1915, to secure the channel from the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea for the safe passage of allied warships through the narrow Bosporous strait.

It was the first war for Australia as a commonwealth but still part of the British Emmpire. In the battle against the Turks at Gallipoli, an ally of Germany, the ANZACS came out second best in the eight months battle.

The memory of those who perished in that battle became a rallying point for Australians and New Zealanders and a year later on 25 April 1916, that date was officially named ANZAC Day in both Australia and New Zealand.

It is a day observed with reverence and contemplation starting in the hour before sunrise. After the dawn service, other ceremonial activities follow including parades where the survivors renew their mateships and march together to commemorate the spirit of Anzac Day.

ANZAC Day has become more encompassing over the years and has expanded with the inclusion of allied veterans in all wars Australia had been involved.

The marchers in this annual tradition now include the Australia-Philippine Service League which is a composite group of Filipino-Australians who have served in the Philippines, or have served in a Philippine military branch before migrating to Australia. There are about a few hundreds expected to join the big march in Sydney on 25 April 2009.

The ANZAC ceremony and parade goes on for many hours and is broadcast on radio and shown live on TV.

Uniquely Australian is the interest shown by the younger generation to be part of this remembrance tradition. Aside from the dawn ceremony held in different capital cities in Australia, a dawn ceremony is also held at the site in Gallipoli, Turkey, where the original ANZACs landed in 1915. It is well attended by many young Australians who travel to Turkey to participate in the commemoration ceremony they proudly feel they belong.

Some people including the Turks have asked why Australia ‘celebrates’ their defeat. The fact is ANZAC Day is not a celebration of glory but a remembrance day. It is a day to remember the gruelling conditions, horrific experiences, incompetent leadership, and death of multitudes of men in war.

It is also a day of recognizing the bravery of those who face up to the reality of death for a cause they often do not understand.

In Australia, a legislative framework to support ANZAC Day has been enacted into law. It stipulates what and what cannot be done during that day.

It also recognizes the role of ‘Returned & Services League’ (RSL) to regulate and standardize all activities including the denial of religious overtones in any of the activities, and what commercial activities may be allowed.

Australia goes into a self imposed deep thought on this day to contemplate its past and look into the future. The atmosphere is similar to Good Friday with all stores closed and organized sporting activities not allowed.

The National Headquarters of the RSL has noted the limited reference of the ANZAC Day Act of 1958. They have expanded the coverage and now included all wars and will also include units that have performed peace keeping functions in the service of the United Nations.

Australian participation in the liberation of the Philippines in WWII may not appear substantial. In fact, except for a small number of communication specialists who were very noticeable with their slouch hats, there were really no Australian land forces in the liberation of the Philippines. For reasons known only to General MacArthur, Australian troops under his command went only as far north as Morotai in Indonesia. However, the Royal Australian Navy had several warships with the Seventh Fleet which gave support to the liberation. Among them was the cruiser HMAS Australia which was hit by a kamikaze killing its captain and many others. The ships crew managed to control the damage and the ship was saved.

The continuity of ANZAC Day as it has been in the past is assured as long as there are veterans. The veterans from WWI have gone except for one or two who are over a hundred years old and still alive. Veterans of WWII are in their eighties now and fast moving to the other side of life. Other veterans are also fast ageing which may reduce the focus on the military in Australia’s future. The declining membership in RSL Clubs maybe indicative of a trend toward a change.

Based on this indicator, there is a possibility in the future of Australia that in lieu of military heroes will be others who will similarly exemplify the ideals of the ANZAC spirit, but will come from other human endeavors like the Arts, Humanities, Science, Technology, and Sports. A dedication to the Australian way of life.

Lest we forget.

Tony Dedal is the author of WINGS OVER THE PHILIPPINES, dubbed as a Philippine aviation history book. Tony was a Philippine fighter pilot during the 1950s and editor-publisher of a Sydney-based Philippine community newspaper in the early 1980s. During the early years of this website, Tony also wrote about his observations on community and political affairs in his column “From My Cockpit“. Interview with Tony.