Lest We Forget: Understanding ANZAC Day

Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin by asking the student: What comes to mind when you hear 'ANZAC Day'? Have you heard about it before? Briefly introduce ANZAC Day (April 25th) as a significant national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. Explain that ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It originally honored the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli during World War I, but now commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Activity 1: The Story of Gallipoli (20 minutes):

Read together a child-friendly account of the Gallipoli campaign. You can find age-appropriate resources online or use a summary like this:

'During World War I (1914-1918), soldiers from Australia and New Zealand joined together as the ANZACs. On April 25, 1915, they landed on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey as part of an Allied plan. The landing was very difficult, and the ANZACs faced fierce fighting and tough conditions. Although the campaign wasn't a military success and many lives were lost, the bravery, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice shown by the soldiers became legendary. This event is seen as a defining moment where Australia and New Zealand forged their national identities.'

Discuss: Why was this event so important? What qualities did the ANZAC soldiers show? (Bravery, friendship/mateship, determination).

Activity 2: ANZAC Day Traditions (25 minutes):

Explore how ANZAC Day is commemorated today:

• Dawn Service: Explain that services are held at dawn, the time of the original landing at Gallipoli, across Australia and New Zealand. It's a quiet, reflective time.
• Marches: Veterans and current service members march through towns and cities.
• Poppies: Red poppies are worn as a symbol of remembrance (often linked more with Remembrance Day, November 11th, but seen on ANZAC Day too). The Flanders poppy grew on the battlefields of the Western Front.
• Rosemary: Often worn on ANZAC Day, as rosemary is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula.
• The Last Post: A bugle call played at commemorative services. Listen to a recording of 'The Last Post'. (Listen here via Australian War Memorial) Discuss the feeling it evokes.
• Anzac Biscuits: Discuss the story (perhaps mythical) that these hard biscuits were sent to soldiers because they kept well during long sea voyages. If time and interest permit, bake some Anzac biscuits together using a simple recipe!

Activity 3: Reflection and Response (15 minutes):

Ask the student to reflect on what they've learned. Why is it important to remember ANZAC Day? What does 'Lest We Forget' mean? Encourage the student to express their understanding or feelings. They could:

• Write a short poem about remembrance.
• Draw a picture representing an ANZAC Day tradition or the spirit of the ANZACs.
• Write a diary entry from the perspective of someone attending a Dawn Service.
• Simply discuss their thoughts and feelings about the day.

Conclusion (5 minutes):

Reiterate that ANZAC Day is a solemn day to remember sacrifice and service, but also to reflect on the qualities of courage, endurance, and mateship. Emphasize that it's about honoring the past and striving for peace in the future.