Planning an Anzac Day service or a commemorative event
We've created all the resources you need for a commemorative ceremony or service. You can use them on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other important days. We do this to recognise and remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans and serving personnel.
Help with your event
Feel free to use our information or adapt it to suit your audience.
Anzac Day Kit Bag
Host resources ready to download and use at your Anzac Day service.
Suggestions for all events
Ideas to involve everyone
Why commemoration is important
What these men did nothing can alter now.
The good and the bad, the greatness and the
smallness of their story will stand. It rises, as
it will always rise, above the mists of ages,
a monument to great-hearted men, and, for
their nation, a possession for ever.[CEW Bean, Official History, Vol. VI, p1096]
Commemoration happens when people remember a person, a group of people or an event. Australians often commemorate with others at a public ceremony, but it can be done alone.
We can commemorate through:
- community gatherings in council regions, schools and small towns
- formal ceremonies at state and national services
- personal activities and reflections at home and in schools
- real and virtual visits to distant battlefields
Whatever form it takes, commemoration focuses on the contribution and sacrifice of veterans and serving personnel across time. It involves honouring, remembering, thanking and renewing connections with those who have served.
A veteran is a person who has served in the navy, army or air force in the past. Australian veterans have served in wars, conflicts and war-like operations, such as humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
We observe many different days of commemoration in Australia.