ANZAC Day, which will be marked April 25, is Australia's most important national commemoration. It marks the anniversary, according to information in my inbox this morning from the high commissions to Canada of Australia and of New Zealand, of the first time Australian and New Zealand military forces fought together in a major military action.
“The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day,” according to the commissions.
That major military action was the ill-fated landing at Gallipoli, Turkey during the First World War.
Canadian soldiers have often fought next to and in support of ANZAC troops and so there will be some ANZAC Day events here in Canada this week to which the public is invited. Here's the list provided to us from the high commissions. Note that special attire may be required as well as special instructions for admittance to some venues. All the events happen on April 25, except the one in Newfoundland which will take place on April 24. All times here are local.
Ottawa
Time: 0800hrs (8am)
Location: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, ON.
Details: Service followed by gunfire breakfast in the Museum's cafeteria.
Dress: Uniform/Business.
Toronto
Time: 0700hrs (7am)
Location: Canadian Forces College, 215 Yonge Boulevard, Toronto, ON.
Details: Those wishing to attend must contact LTCOL Rory Colquhoun prior to the event to ensure access to the military site.
Dress: Uniform/Business.
London, Ontario
Time: 0545hrs (5:45am)
Location: Royal Canadian Regiment Memorial, Wolseley Barracks, Cnr Oxford and Elizabeth
Streets, London, Ontario.
Details: Dawn service followed by gunfire breakfast at the Officers Mess.
Dress: Coat and Tie/Business. No jeans allowed at the mess.
Vancouver
Time: 1800hrs (6pm)
Location: Victory Square Park, corner of Hastings and Cambie Streets, Vancouver, BC.
Dress: Uniform/Business.
Calgary
Time: 1900hrs (7pm)
Location: Cenotaph, cnr of 12th Avenue and 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB.
Details: Service will be followed by light refreshments at the Calgary Garrison Officers' Mess, located at 801 11th Street SW.
Dress: Coat and Tie/Business. No jeans allowed at the mess.
Edmonton
Time: 06oohrs (6am).
Location: Leduc Cenotaph (South of the city), Civic Centre 48A Street, Edmonton, AB.
Details: Service will be followed by a light breakfast at the Leduc Legion.
Dress: Neat casual.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Time: 1700hrs (5pm)
Location: O.B. Philip Building, CFB Moose Jaw.
Details: Non-Military Personnel will need to arrange access through POC by 18 April 08.
Dress: Neat casual. Military – Dress of the Day.
Winnipeg
Time: 1800hrs (6pm)
Location: Scandinavian Cultural Centre, 764 Erin Street, Winnipeg, MB.
Details: Service followed by a potluck dinner and a games night for members and guests. The Down Under Club will be joined by members of the Canadian Legion General Monash Branch, and Air Force Trainees from 17 Wing Winnipeg.
Dress: Neat Casual.
Halifax
Time: 0630hrs (6:30am)
Location: Fort Massey Cemetery, cnr of Queen and South Streets, at the grave of SGT Selwyn Keith Loveday (RAAF).
Details: Service followed breakfast at “Cousins”, on Lady Hammond Road.
Dress: Uniform/Business.
St John's, Newfoundland
Date: 24 April, 2008
Time: 1900hrs (7:00pm). Open to the public.
Location: Adjacent to Branch 56 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Pleasantville, St John's, NL.
Details: Service followed by reception in the Officers' Mess.
Dress: Uniform/Business.