Anzac Day

Anzac Service at Staughton

Anzac Day is commemorated on 25 April and is arguably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first key military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

 

Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The troops in those forces became known as Anzacs, and the pride in the name endures to this day.

 

History of Anzac Day in Australia

In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. The plan was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of the Germans. They landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. The assault rapidly became a stalemate, dragging on for 8 months. By the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians back at home and 25th April became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.

 

Staughton College will be holding it's annual Anzac Day assembly in the gym on Tuesday, the 24th of April. The official Anzac Services take place locally and around Australia on the 25th, which is a public holiday. This assembly will feature words from our student leaders, a minute of silence, and The Last Post music piece. Wreaths will be laid and taken to the Melton Community Centre.

 

Thank you to the students and staff who are always respectful and reflective during this service, and thank you to the student leaders who will also be attending the dawn service at the Melton Council building on Wednesday.