On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the Commonwealth of countries expedition that was tasked to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. They became known as Anzacs and the way they conducted themselves is now part of the soul of our countries continues to this day.

At Gallipoli, the Anzacs and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their intention was to knock Türkiye out of the war quickly, however the campaign dragged on for eight months and became a stalemate.

At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed.

Anzac Day today includes the remembrance of Australians killed in all military operations.

A typical Anzac Day Dawn Service ceremony may include:

• an introduction
• hymn
• prayer
• an address
• laying of wreaths
• a recitation
• the Last Post
• a period of silence
• the Rouse or the Reveille
• the national anthem

However, the focus of the ceremony is the Cenotaph. A cenotaph is an “empty tomb”—a war memorial or monument erected to honour individuals whose remains are buried elsewhere or lost. 

In the First World War, Australia lost the most soldiers, per capita than any other nation of the allies. A whole generation did not come home. Their families and the country were mourning for them however their remains were overseas, in a field in another country. There was grief and anger their loved ones will never be returned home.

Their families and friends organized the building of these cenotaphs throughout Australia and New Zealand. The sites were carefully chosen in areas of respect, and not to be near, for example, a playground.

The cenotaph became a symbol and focal point, of their sacrifices, forever.  Lest we forget. The local soldiers that had fallen in that community, had their names scribed on the cenotaph for all to see.