Honouring ANZAC Day: A Tribute to Their Sacrifice and Service

Anzac Day falls on the 25th of April each year. The 25th of April was officially named Anzac Day in 1916.

As ANZAC Day approaches, it's important to honour and pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our great nation.

At All Health Training, we're proud to have Jeff, one of our incredible trainers, on our team. Jeff is not only a dedicated Nurse Educator but also a proud veteran of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Jeff's selfless decision to join the ADF at just 22 years old is a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to serving his country. He completed his recruitment in a mere four months and was assigned to his first post at the Infantry Training Centre in Singleton, NSW. Jeff then went on to complete a detachment in East Timor as a combat medic, and was promoted to Corporal.

Jeff's next assignment was with 17 Field Construction Engineers, where he played a vital role in rebuilding bridges and providing medical assistance after a devastating cyclone in the Solomon Islands. During this time, he was promoted to Sergeant, further demonstrating his leadership skills and commitment to service.

Jeff's time in the ADF helped him form strong bonds with his comrades and ultimately helped him become the outstanding Nurse Educator and Trainer he is today. We're honoured to have him on our team at All Health Training.

As we remember and pay respect to Jeff, and all those who have served and continue to serve our country, we're reminded of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. Lest we forget their service and dedication to Australia.

What does 'ANZAC' stand for? 

'ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. 

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day. 

Why is this day special to Australians? 

On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany. 

The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan 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. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians at home. The 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war. 

The Anzacs were courageous and although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. 

What does Anzac Day mean today? 

With the coming of the Second World War, Anzac Day also served to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in that war. The meaning of Anzac Day today includes the remembrance of all Australians killed in military operations.