Anzac Day still brings Australians together and also causes disagreements as the country talks about its history and national identity. It’s simple to criticise the past, but would we have acted differently? We learn and evolve by looking back, and without a past, we have no identity. There’s much to discuss, but the Anzac tradition lives on with the values of bravery, equality, resilience, and friendship.

What these men did nothing can alter now. The good and the bad, the greatness and smallness of their story will stand. Whatever of glory it contains nothing now can lessen. It rises, as it will always rise, above the mists of ages, a monument to great-hearted men; and, for their nation, a possession for ever.

[Charles Bean, Official History of World War I, p1096]

At dawn on 25 April 1915, the Allies landed at Gallipoli with the goal to reach Istanbul and remove Turkey from the war to help Russia against Germany. They didn’t succeed on the first day, but more troops were sent. A total of 70,000 soldiers were deployed, with over 20,000 being Australian and New Zealand soldiers. After eight months, it ended in a stalemate, and both sides suffered heavy casualties. The Allied forces were evacuated.

An estimated 8,700 Australian and 2,700 New Zealanders were killed. In 1916, the first anniversary of the landing was observed in Australia, New Zealand, England, and by troops in Egypt. That year, 25 April was officially named ‘Anzac Day’ by the Acting Australian Prime Minister, George Pearce.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Australia created the Anzac tradition, which started in 1915 and is still observed today. The Anzac legend became a key part of how Australia remembers the war and its national identity. It mainly focused on the behaviour of men since the war was mostly fought by men. Women’s role was commemorated in a smaller way, with emphasis on nursing.

As a country, Australia supported the war, but disagreement arose among women when they took on roles involving patriotism, propaganda, and politics. This caused division in local communities and groups. Some women believed that being patriotic meant they had to urge men to enlist, even if those men were their husbands, sons, or grandsons. This caused conflict among women. Women reacted to men being forced into service and women’s organisations campaigned against conscription, for example, the Women’s Peace Army formed in 1915 by two women from Melbourne.

Today, the ANZAC Legend continues to evolve and be more inclusive, acknowledging women and their contributions and you can visit two national memorials to Australian service women at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives … You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours … You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.

[Kemal Atatürk Memorial, Anzac Parade, Canberra]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 
At the going down of the sun and in the morning 
We will remember them.