ANZAC Day

Today, Australia and New Zealand celebrated ANZAC Day.

(Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.)

It's a day to remember the original ANZACs who  fought in Gallipoli during WWI.

Though it was a disaster, it was the first time

they fought as a country.

Until then, they joined the campaigns of the British Empire,

as separate self-governing colonies--

not becoming a country until 1901.

So it has become not only a day to remember those who gave their lives, and those who have served in conflicts since:
but combined with what it means to be Australian. 

It is observed with services in all the major cities,

and the smallest villages,

the shores of Gallipoli, (Turkey)

Villers-Bretonneaux (France)

and the Research Stations in Antarctica.
Wherever people are currently serving in the world.

There are dawn services, parades, parties, and

the returned soldiers meet for drinks, and

a game of two-up.

Others have barbecues.
And evening services.

We went to the river, and then home.

It was a very rainy day and we were impressed

with all the who braved the wet for the ceremonies.

We just watched it on television. and SHE made traditional ANZAC biscuits (cookies)

for morning tea.
(We even got a taste.)