ANZAC

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that honors the memory of those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It is celebrated on April 25 each year, which marks the anniversary of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) landing at Gallipoli in 1915.

Napier has a special connection to ANZAC Day. During World War I, Napier was a major embarkation point for troops heading to the battlefields of Europe and the Middle East. Many local men and women served in the armed forces, and the community was deeply affected by the loss of life and the sacrifices made by those who fought.

In the years following the war, ANZAC Day became an important day of remembrance in Napier, as it did throughout New Zealand and Australia. The first ANZAC Day commemoration in Napier took place in 1916, just one year after the Gallipoli landing. Over the years, the day has been marked by parades, services, and other events that bring the community together to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed.

Today, ANZAC Day remains an important part of Napier's history and identity. The Napier War Memorial Centre, which was built in 1957 as a memorial to the fallen of both World Wars, serves as a focal point for ANZAC Day commemorations and other events that honor the sacrifices made by local service men and women.