Skip to main content
News

Anzac Day and Meaning of Rosemary

By April 23, 2010No Comments

This Sunday is ANZAC Day  25th April and the 95th Anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries. Since ancient times the aromatic herb rosemary has been believed to have properties to improve the memory. Perhaps because of this, rosemary became an emblem of both fidelity and remembrance in literature and folklore. Traditionally, sprigs of rosemary are worn on ANZAC Day and sometimes on Remembrance Day, and are usually handed out by Legacy and the RSL. Rosemary has particular significance for Australians, as it is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula. Read more about Anzac traditions at the Australian War Memorial website http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_tradition.asp