by Belinda Youlten

Created on: May 18, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

In Australia, April 25th is ANZAC Day, an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who became known as ANZACs. The date commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action of World War I fought by Australian and New Zealand forces.

Although very few of the original ANZAC soldiers are alive today, it is a day to pay tribute to the armed forces of Australia.

Ceremonies begin with a dawn service just before sunrise. The stillness of the first signs of the new day and early morning light are broken with a haunting rendition of "The Last Post" by a lone bugler .

The service pays homage to those who have fallen in battle with a hymn, recitations, and the laying of wreaths. As the daylight replaces the dark of night the ceremony ends with the bugler playing "Reville".

The dawn service was once only attended by veterans but today is open to everyone and thousands awake early to attend.

From the somber early morning service, Anzac day takes on a more celebratory feel with parades in most towns. Marching along with the armed forces are many community and youth organizations in the parade as well as veterans of all wars.

The day is also a public holiday so after the parade there are BBQ's and picnics held throughout the country.

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