Curiosity about dates often opens the door to deeper stories, and "when is Anzac Day" is one of those questions that leads straight into history. Anzac Day is observed every year on 25 April, a fixed date that marks the anniversary of the first major action by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915. Knowing the date helps you join public ceremonies, quiet dawn services, or simple acts of remembrance wherever you are.
Why 25 April Is the Date for Anzac Day
The landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 is the origin point for Anzac Day, and the date has been observed since the year after the landings as a day to honour those who served and died for Australia and New Zealand. Over time, the meaning broadened from commemorating that single campaign to recognizing veterans and service people from all conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
The date is fixed, not moved for weekends, so ceremonies are always tied to that calendar day.
Early observances began in 1916 and quickly became an annual national tradition for both countries.
Modern Anzac Day combines solemn public rituals with personal acts of remembrance in communities worldwide.
Did You Know?
The phrase "Lest We Forget" is commonly used in Anzac Day services to emphasize the importance of remembering those who served.
Typical Anzac Day Observances and What They Mean
Anzac Day is rich in ritual, each element carrying symbolic resonance:
Dawn Service: Held at sunrise to echo the time of the Gallipoli landing; often the most moving public act of the day.
Wreath-Laying and Two-Minute Silence: Communities lay wreaths at cenotaphs and pause together to remember the fallen.
Marches: Veterans, service groups, and community organizations march in towns and cities; major cities host large, well-attended processions.
Cultural Traditions: Items like poppies, rosemary, and Anzac biscuits appear in memorials, fundraising, and family observances, linking food, flora, and memory.
Five Interesting Facts About Anzac Day
Origins in 1915: The Gallipoli campaign gave rise to Anzac identity and the decision to commemorate 25 April each year.
International Observance: While most prominent in Australia and New Zealand, Anzac services are held by expatriate communities and diplomatic posts worldwide.
Educational Role: Schools often teach Anzac history around the date, using stories and primary sources to connect new generations to the past.
Symbols of Remembrance: Rosemary is linked to Gallipoli battlefields, and the poppy became a remembrance emblem after World War I.
Evolving Meaning: Anzac Day now commemorates all who served, not just those from the original Gallipoli landing.
Mini Q&A: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Is Anzac Day a public holiday?
A: Yes, in Australia and New Zealand it is a public holiday with official ceremonies and community events.
Q: Can non-Australians and non-New Zealanders attend services?
A: Most dawn services and memorials welcome the public; attend quietly and follow organizers' directions.
Q: Is the date ever changed for convenience?
A: No. The day remains 25 April each year to preserve the historical connection to Gallipoli.
A Short Cultural Note
Anzac Day’s rituals reflect a balance of national grief and personal remembrance. Dawn services, the playing of the Last Post, and quiet wreath-laying create a shared moment where history, gratitude, and reflection meet. The day has become an anchor for national memory in both countries and a point of connection for communities overseas.
A personal observation: attending a dawn service changed how I think about dates. Seeing people of all ages gather at sunrise made the historical fact — 25 April — feel alive and immediate. The ritual quiet unites history and present in just a few minutes of solemn focus.
Anzac Day is always on 25 April, a fixed date that links the present to the Gallipoli landings and to broader acts of remembrance for those who served. Will you mark the date this year, attend a local service, or learn a first-hand soldier’s story to deepen your understanding?