Anzac Day

Happy Wednesday! 

Tj was supposed to arrive early this morning, but he missed his flight! LOL. He was at the airport and everything but there was a problem with his boarding pass and all the staff were already gone and couldn't help him! Not the best ending to his travels, but he is on his was now and should get here later tonight! :)

Today is actually a national holiday in Australia. I got all the information below about Anzac Day from the Australian War Memorial website.

 Anzac Day is a day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in war and on operational service. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day also marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition to capture the Gallipoli peninsula (in Turkey). The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allies evacuated the peninsula. Both sides suffered heavy casualties. More than 8,000 Australians died. The Gallipoli campaign failed its military objectives but the powerful legacy of the 'Anzac legend' became an important part of the identity of both nations. 

Today, commemorative services are held across the nation at dawn, the time of the originial landing, and later in the day former servicemen and servicewomen take part in marches  through the country's major cities. 

I love learning history! Especially being new to this country, it is really special to learn about their past and their traditions. And I learned another special Anzac Day treat yesterday - Anzac biscuits! My colleague at work handed out these yummy cookies. These biscuits were sent by wives and women's groups to soldiers because the ingredients don't spoil during transportation. They are made without eggs. Here is a Anzac biscuit recipe I found online. They were super yummy! Now I know to make some for next year :)

I took these photos at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.