Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs.
This year with the Anzac Events being cancelled around the country the RSL has initiated:
LIGHT UP THE DAWN ON ANZAC DAY!
We are being asked to get on board, to stand at the end of our driveway, on our balcony or in our living room at 6 am on the morning of Anzac Day, this Saturday the 25th April so as to remember all those who have served and sacrificed.
We are being asked to jointly light up a candle and observe the 1-minute silence.
A fabulous idea for all of us to be part of so as to show our Anzac Spirit!
Anzac Wreaths
A customary part of the Anzac service is to lay commemoration wreaths on the day, a tradition that has been followed since World War I. Wreaths are laid at memorials to remember those Australians who died in service during wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
It is so exciting to hear that there are many people committed to continuing with this tradition at home! Many have been preparing wreaths as part of their family holiday activity with the intention of displaying them either on the front door, post box or gate. A great way to show commitment, mateship, and support!
There are so many fun creative ideas, using all kinds of materials to create a wreath from card, paper, fabric, to foliage and flowers so as to create a more formal floral wreath.
A few interesting facts to consider when creating a more formal floral wreath is the flower or foliage types and colours.
Some colours are used for their military meanings:
YELLOW - Honour, which should never be in question
WHITE - Innocence and truth
BLACK - Wisdom and sobriety
BLUE - Faith and constancy
RED - Justice
GREEN - Good hope
PURPLE - Fortitude with discretion
TAWNY – Merit
Flower or foliage used for special meanings:
LAUREL - for glory and victory
ROSEMARY - for remembrance, is popular on Anzac Day.
RED POPPIES- for sacrifice (usually one poppy for each of the armed services: navy, army, air force)
In recent years, the poppy, strongly associated with Remembrance Day (11 November), has also become popular in wreaths on Anzac Day.
Finish off by placing a purple ribbon on the wreath.
It should start high on the left side of the wreath and finish low on the right side.
This symbolises the sun rising in the east and setting in the west.
Add a small card with the words 'We will remember them' or 'Lest we forget'.