Defender of the Fatherland Day in Australia

Anzac DayOn April 25, every Australian is particularly proud of their country. Every year on this day, Australia and New Zealand celebrate ANZAC Day - in the Russian version, Defender of the Fatherland Day. On this day, solemn ceremonies of memory and gratitude are held throughout the country (in fact, in two countries) dedicated to all men and women who died in wars.

ANZAC is the first letter of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The name was first used to refer to soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on April 25, 1915, during the First World War.

Over time, ANZAC warriors became part of Australia's "national self-determination." And the first over-test of bravery for the nation was the Battle of Gallipoli.

On April 30, 1915, when the first news of the landing in Turkey reached New Zealand, the day was declared a day off and impromptu services were held in churches. Since 1916, services have been held in both Australia and New Zealand on April 25.

One of the traditions of ANZAC Day is the "fire breakfast" (coffee with rum), which is offered after morning services. No less ancient tradition - marches of veterans of past wars and today's soldiers, which are held in all cities of the country without exception. The parade from each state capital is broadcast live with commentary. The tradition of meeting veterans of different wars with schoolchildren, local officials, friends and colleagues remains unchanged. And in Melbourne on this day, a football match takes place, which in just 10 years of existence has become ... the biggest game of the Australian Football League (not counting the final of the National Championship). Tickets for the April match diverge at the speed of light, and the game itself attracts annually up to 100,000 spectators.

Although the main holiday of the country is still Australia Day, many Australians come to believe that ANZAC Day is a real national holiday. For example, in 2004, even the threat of terrorist attacks in Gallipoli did not stop nearly 15,000 Australians from pilgrimages to Turkey - to honor the fallen warriors. On Australia Day, many people just sit at home.