ANZAC Day Background

ANZAC FACTS

• What does ANZAC stand for? ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. 
• When did the first Anzac Day happen? The first Anzac Day was on April 25, 1916, one year after the ANZAC troops landed at Gallipoli. 
• Where did the ANZACs fight? The ANZACs fought in the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during World War I. 
• Why is Anzac Day important? It's a day to remember and honour the brave soldiers who fought and died in wars, especially those from Australia and New Zealand. 

War is a tricky subject to broach with little kids, but teaching kids about the symbols of remembrance is a good starting point. The red poppy flower, or a field of red poppies, is one of those symbols.

Poppy Facts

• Since 1921, after World War I, the poppy flower is a reminder of the soldiers who died and those who serve courageously today.
• People began wearing poppies inspired by the poem “In Flanders Field,” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. McCrae wrote the poem after seeing red poppies grow around the grave of a soldier friend.
• The poppy’s seeds germinate in spring and only grow in recently disturbed land, such as places devastated by war.
• In recognition of the soldiers, people wore real poppies at first. But eventually, they began to wear crafted ones.
• Craft poppies have been sold for many years in order to raise money to support army veterans and their families.