Today in Australia and New Zealand ANZAC Day is celebrated because downunder it is April 25. I was curious about this annual celebration so I researched it a bit and learned the following:
On April 25 Australians and New Zealanders commemorate the landing of the ANZACs, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, at the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915. This day marks the first major military campaign of both countries supporting the Allied Powers in capturing what was then known as Constantinople, thereby securing the major trading gateways of the Bosphorus and Black Seas. The eight-month campaign was unsuccessful and resulted in both countries losing over 10,000 men with another 18,000 injured. The landing at Gallipoli is a story of bravery, endurance and, ultimately, tragedy.
Do they commemorate this because they worked together? Because it was their first entry into World War I? Obviously the numbers who died and were injured are significant but I find it confusing yet touching that this campaign was chosen to be commemorated annually. I welcome "native" insights into this commemoration.
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