25 April is the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915. The first ANZAC day service in New Zealand was held in 1916 and has been commemorated every year since.
Read the details of Anzac Day Services for 25 April 2013 in Hutt City.
Today ANZAC Day has evolved to acknowledge the sacrifice and service of subsequent wars and conflicts and to encompass new understandings of the full impact of armed conflict on those who have served their country. ANZAC Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of our forefathers and those members of our Armed Forces currently serving in harm’s way.
ANZAC Day is commemorated with special services held in Australia, the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. It is also recognised in the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Canada and the United States.
Today more and more people of all ages are getting involved. ANZAC Day is as much a local event as it is national. From remote rural Cenotaphs to National Memorials, New Zealanders will gather together to pause and reflect on the service of their countrymen and women.
“ At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.”