This is usually the case for us as a family as well. We have had many years of ANZAC adventures within our home. Since our oldest boys were little we have had variations of what our children did last year.
However as ANZAC Day followed right on the heals of Easter we had no plans for today and frankly I didn't have the energy to organise anything and I think the children were too tired and chocolate filled to focus on this day. Also we often carry on our celebrations from Easter Day through to the Monday....as we did today.
I thought I would just share the background of the ANZAC tradition and the ANZAC Cookie recipe we use as well.
What is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day – 25 April – is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.What does ANZAC stand for?
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.Why is this day special to Australians?
When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.
Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “ANZAC legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.
ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. On ANZAC day, ceremonies are held in towns and cities across the nation to acknowledge the service of our veterans.
ANZAC COOKIES~
1 cup of rolled oats
1 cup plain four
3/4 cup of sugar
3/4 cup dessicated cocconut
1 Tablespoon Golden Syrup
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 tsp of Bicarb Soda (Baking Soda for non Aussies)
2 Tablespoons of boiling water
1. Mix oats, sugar, coconut and flour together
2. Melt syrup and butter together
3. Mix soda with boiling water and add to melted butter and syrup
4. Add to dry ingredients
5. Place tablespoon of mixture on greased baking tray
6. Bake in slow oven 150-160 degrees C for 15 to 20 mins
Enjoy!!!
Blessings to you and your homes,
