All About Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a significant day of remembrance in New Zealand as well as on the Australian calendar. It is celebrated as a National Day of Remembrance and pays tribute to all Kiwis and Aussies who served and died in wars and times of conflict.

Anzac Day is every year celebrated on April 25.

The day has its roots in honouring those members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought valiantly in the Gallipoli Campaign.

The Gallipoli Campaign, also known as the Battle of Gallipoli, or the Dardanelles Campaign, was fought between 1915 and 1916, and was ANZAC members’ first embattled engagement in World War 1. The battle led to major casualties for both New Zealand and Aussie forces.

Remembering The Futility Of War

For many New Zealanders, Anzac Day serves as a reminder of just how futile a war can be.

Nationwide memorials are held each year, with attendees traditionally including the country’s national Defense Force, the New Zealand Police, the Order of St. John’s Ambulance Service, GirlGuiding New Zealand, Scouting New Zealand, and civilians in general.

A march forms a big part of the remembrance and is typically accompanied by the local Pipe Band and Brass Band for the singing of hymns and other memorial songs.

In New Zealand in particular, the day marks a day of people of different beliefs and political views coming together as one for sharing a collective sorrow following the loss of so many lives in a war.

The day is a public holiday in New Zealand, and according to the Anzac Day Act of 1966, shops are only permitted to open at 1pm, leaving people with plenty of time to commemorate those fallen, and to relax and enjoy other activities like playing at the best online casinos NZ has to offer.

2022 Remembrance

This year, many New Zealanders plan on returning to the scene of the battle at Gallipoli, which is a seaport town situated in European Turkey.

Commemoration services will in 2022 be held on April 24 and April 25. For New Zealanders hoping to attend this year, an attendance pass is needed, and this can be obtained on the Overseas Commemorations Website.

The drive to Gallipoli Peninsula is about 5 hours from Istanbul. Towns near the site of the commemoration include Gelibolu, Canakkale, and Eceabat.

What To Expect In Turkey 

Overseeing the commemorations in Turkey will be consular staff employed by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The department will provide assistance to New Zealanders attending the commemorations.

Anzac Day was first officially recognised by the Turkish government in 1985. In 2015, a ballot was held to allocate attendance passes to those New Zealanders and Australians who wished to attend.

Best Online Pokies For Anzac Day

Anzac Day is also celebrated by players who enjoy spending time at the best online casino NZ sites and several pokies, help to commemorate the day too.

Of these, one of the most popular pokies to play on the day is Microgaming’s Major Millions.

This is a Progressive Jackpot title, military-themed, and with the Jackpot seeding at a whopping quarter of a million dollars. The popular pokie can be played at any Microgaming-powered online casino and should always be enjoyed responsibly.

However you commemorate Anzac Day, it’s certainly an important date on the calendar.