On the 25th of April 1915, soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) joined the British and French at the Ottoman-controlled Gallipoli Peninsula in an attempt to secure a supply route to Russia via the Black Sea. Though the Gallipoli Campaign was ultimately a failure for the Allies, it represents a major turning-point in both the Australian and New Zealand national consciousness. Observed annually on 25 April, Anzac Day not only honours those who lost their lives at Gallipoli, but it has broadened over the years to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who've died fighting for their countries.

Over 21,000 Allied soldiers died at the battle of Gallipoli, with an estimated 8,709 being from Australia and an estimated 2,721 being from New Zealand. Contributing to the high number of casualties was the sheer time-frame of the Gallipoli Campaign, which carried on for nearly 9 months before the Allies finally evacuated.

Though the Anzac soldiers at Gallipoli were not victorious, they inspired what is now commonly recognised throughout Australia and New Zealand as the 'Anzac spirit.' The legacy of the Anzacs is that of courage, camaraderie and endurance. The Anzac legend has greatly contributed to the national identity of both Australia and New Zealand, which is defined by a rejection of the British notions of social class and exemplified by the idea of 'mateship.'

Among the many events occurring in Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day are the 'Dawn Services'. Held at war memorials across both countries, these early morning services often include readings of Laurence Binyon's 'Ode of Remembrance' and bugle performances of 'The Last Post'. As of 1997, a rugby league match known as the 'ANZAC Test' takes place annually between the New Zealand and Australian national teams. In addition to Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue and Tonga, all of which also had soldiers fighting at Gallipoli.

Anzac cookies are also traditionally eaten on Anzac Day, as a variation of the biscuits was given to the Anzac soldiers during WWI. Selling the sweet oat biscuits is a common fundraising technique on Anzac day, and in recent Australian reward surveys, around 33% of respondents said they enjoy the cookies and eat them regularly.

Thus, similar to Armistice Day in Britain and Memorial Day in the United States, Anzac Day is an important national holiday of reflection and remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders. However, what sets Anzac Day apart from other commemorative holidays is its duel-importance as not only a time for honouring fallen soldiers but also a time for honouring the Anzac spirit of bravery and kinship.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.