Lest We Forget

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand.  This is a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name.

In Flanders fields

The red Flanders poppy was made famous by Lieutenant Colonel John McRae in his poem "In Flanders fields" - written after a close friend died during WWI. The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who fell in battle, and was adopted by Kiwis for Anzac Day in 1922.

Comments

[Michele in Texas]

Thank you for explaining this! I saw it on another blog and there was no explanation - just a statement to celebrate. Enjoy your BBQ and the day of rememberance

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlfb381gE6FxzI_qF28YknaDmNXdOBCPUM]

Our Remembrance Day is on Nov, 11th.
The whold country has a 2 minutes of silence on the 11th month on the 11th day at the 11th hour.
I remember having to memorize that poem.

[Joey]

Thank you for reminding us that we were not alone
in that first terrible World War. Enjoy your BBQ and
day with your fellow Kiwis.

[carla avila]

the red flanders (poppies) are beautiful