Anzac Day ceremony?

Question

I'm an American but am very fond of Australia and New Zealand. I have been reseaching history about both countries including that of Anzac Day. I plan to attend the Anzac Day ceremony in Washington D.C. for the first time. There will also be a breakfast at the New Zealand embassy and then a Commemorative Church Service.

1. What should I wear?

2. Is there anything else I should know?

3. Do many other Americans observe Anzac Day?

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

dont forget to catch some 2 up. a gambling game outlawed in oz (im not sure if it is in nz) on everyday but anzac day.

Answer 2

Dress smart but casual, nothing tacky that would be offensive to older crowds. Prehaps try and incorporate green and gold into you're outfit.

Don't try and judge the ceremony or do any of that "well in America we...." Australians don't appreciate that.

There are lots of Australians and New Zealanders living in America, so while there may not be alot of Americans there will still be a decent turn up.

Have fun and kudos to you for respecting Australia/New Zealand and our ANZAC troops.

Answer 3

nothing in particular to wear. Just nice, neat and tidy clothes...maybe have a shirt or or something with a collar and at least half length pants....nothing out of the prdinary...neat and tidy.

Nothing else you should know....I think its great that you as an american is taking some interest into our culture a little.

Just remember, its just not the ANZAC's landing at Gillipolli, but also about all the men and women who has died or Aus and NZ at war.

no, not many other americans observe Anzac day. (that i know of)

lest we forget.

Answer 4

This may not be the answer that you're looking for but;

Thankyou for helping remember the men who fought for their lives in world war 1 + 2. Personally, my great, great, great grandfather fought in malay and was captured by the japanese, whom used them as human shields and then left them to die. Thankyou for acknowledging Australia's tragic loss.

Answer 5

well as a ex serviceman

1.first off wear a poppy but i know they will issue you with one

2 like here in the usa they will say the oath  stand bow your head and right hand across your chest on your heart

3 do the best of my knowledge i am going to say NO i when down to my local VFW once and told then it was ANZAC DAY excuse me it is what but i am sure you know the history of ANZAC DAY as a ex digger i will be remembering fallen mates tomorrow yes 24th here but 25th back home

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN WE WILL  REMEMBER THEM

Answer 6

Hope you enjoy the service it truly is a heart warming thing.I'm an Aussie in Canada and i wish there was a service near me

Lest We Forget

Answer 7

1. Wear smart casual clothing. - If you are going to a dawn service then warm clothing.

Someone mentioned wearing a poppy, they aren't used for Anzac Day in Australia. The poppy is for Remembrance Day in November.

2. Be quiet during the service. :)

We had our Anzac march last Sunday in my town and the dawn service is tomorrow (Anzac Day) and starts before dawn so the Reveille and flag raising is held at sunrise.

I have put a link for pics I took last Sunday at our march and another link for the atmosphere at a dawn service.

Answer 8

To start may I say thank you for caring.

An ANZAC Dawn Service is a moving and unique experience and well worth attending.

1. For the Dawn Service: I always wear warm, smart casual preferably in darker colours.

We don't usually wear a red poppy on ANZAC Day, they are becoming a more popular but they are usually for Remembrance Day, the 11th of the 11th.

You do see many sprigs of rosemary, for remembrance, pinned on peoples lapels and also ANZAC Day badges.

2. Any ANZAC service is a sombre occasion but especially the Dawn Service. It's a time for listening.

There is usually only a small amount of crowd participation other than being there and the prayers etc.

The Ode is especially significant as with a prayer bow your head. I haven't seen many people place their hand over their heart during The Ode. That's more an American thing to do.

As with anything follow what others are doing.

3. Over the years I have seen quite a number of ex-pat Americans and people from all parts of the world proudly in attendance Dawn Services. After all,  no matter where we're from, the sentiments expressed are the same.

If you visit the links below they will give you information about the day and the service. They are both for the Australian War Memorial site.

The service is explained on the first link -

Laying of wreaths

Sounding the Last Post

A period of silence

The Rouse and the Reveille

Red poppies

The unknown soldier

Reversed arms

The lone charger

The gun carriage

Rosemary

Flags at half mast

Rifle volleys and gun salutes

The lone piper and Flowers of the Forest

http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/cust...

http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anza...