19/04/2026
Below is a list of things that current, and former members, of the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force, would like to point out prior to ANZAC Day:
1. ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign of WWI. ANZAC is an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. It’s written as ANZAC, not Anzac.
2. Each year on the 25th of April we reflect on all Defence Force personnel, past and present, and the sacrifices they’ve made. It is a solemn day.
3. ANZAC Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during WWI.
4. Traditionally, Rosemary is worn on ANZAC Day. Rosemary is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula. That’s why it’s significant.
5. The RED Poppy symbolises peace, death and sleep of the fallen servicemen/woman. While the PURPLE Poppy represents remembrance of the animal victims of war. The ORANGE Poppy represents the acknowledgement of the Service families, and also acknowledges the families’ loss due to veteran su***de. The WHITE Poppy worn between 1918 - 1939 symbolises the wearers’ commitment to peace.
6. We commemorate ANZAC Day, not celebrate it.
7. At dawn on the 25th of April 1915, soldiers landed, rowed ashore by sailors in boats called ‘lighters’ during the Gallipoli landings, under fire and without outboards motors.
8. It's a bugle, not a trumpet. The Last Post is sounded, not played.
9. Not every serviceman/woman were 'soldiers'. Some were Sailors and Airmen. Please take the time to ascertain what Service they served in, and use the correct terminology.
10. They’re medals, not badges. They’re citations, not pins.
11. Medal recipients BOTH Men AND Women, wear their medals on the left side of their chest covering their heart; family members/descendants wear the medals on the right side of their chest.
12. No, I am not wearing my father’s or grandfather’s medals, they are mine. I earned them during my Service.
13. Medals, ribbons and Unit Citations are EARNED, not WON. They are awarded to the recipient, not given to them.
14. Yes, I am allowed to wear my 'Return From Active Service' badge on any day of the year that I choose to wear it. And no, it’s not a Medal.
15. Australian and New Zealand soldiers did not retreat from Gallipoli, they withdrew.
16. It really doesn't matter which side you wear your Rosemary Poppy on, as long as it's worn with pride. Traditionally, men on the left breast and women on the right breast.
17. Please, don't try to draw comparisons between sports players and war veterans. I've never seen a sports player perform acts of heroism whilst under fire, to protect their fellow Service personnel, flag and Country.
18. Having a few drinks and playing ‘2 up’ is an ANZAC Day tradition. Getting s**t faced, picking fights and acting like a y***o isn’t.
20. 'Lest We Forget' isn't a throwaway line, it actually has meaning: it's an expression of remembrance, par excellence. It has dignified origins, a rich history.
The Ode is recited not read.
21. The 'Ode' comes from the poem "For the Fallen", written by Laurence Binyon. The verse, which is commonly known as 'The Ode Of Remembrance', is as follows:
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Lest we forget
