subject: Anzac Day New Zealand, a tribute to those who died for the nation [print this page] Anzac Day New Zealand, a tribute to those who died for the nation
Anzac Day, celebrated by Australians and New Zealanders on 25th April each year is conducted in commemoration of the thousands of valiant soldiers from the two countries who fought and lost their lives at Gallipoli at the time of World War I. These soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (abbreviated to ANZAC) are revered for their courage and determination while fighting in a relentless military operation on the Turkish battlefront.
In 1915 Allied forces including troops from Australia and New Zealand were mobilized to invade the Gallipoli Peninsula, a strategy envisaged by Winston Churchill so as to allow the Allied navies to access the Black Sea. As the Ottoman Empire was Germany's ally, the intention was to capture the nation's capital, Istanbul. The ANZAC forces landed on 25th April but met determined resistance from the Turkish forces led by Mustafa Kemal (who in later years took on the name Ataturk). The operation which had been envisaged as a quick strike to eliminate Turkey from the theatre of war became a long-drawn out fruitless campaign which would continue for eight months; eventually the Allied forces were removed after both Turkish and Allied forces had lost innumerable men and endured terrible hardships.
In New Zealand Anzac Day is celebrated with great fervour to honour those who laid down their lives in the service of their country. The day is commemorated as a reminder of the futility and cruelty of war and the suffering it entails. Citizens remember and pay tribute to the brave sons of their nation who fought valiantly on behalf of their motherland.
Memorial events and dawn parades are held with the attendance of New Zealand's Cadet Forces, the Defence Force, the Fire Service and the Police in addition to many other organizations. Often the locality's Pipe Band or even a Brass Band will accompany or lead the parades.
Anzac Day is also significant in creating a sense of unity among the residents of the country, as individuals of diverse aspirations and beliefs share the heartfelt sorrow concerning the sacrifice of so many valuable lives in war.
For visitors to the country New Zealand hotel packages such as those offered by Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand will be ideal when staying in the island nation. These New Zealand hotels offer excellent facilities assuring a pleasant stay.
