The 25th of April has evolved over time to become arguably the nation’s most important day of commemoration.

In decades past Anzac Day was predominately a day for returned solders of World Wars One and Two but as these heroes have departed veterans from conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, East Timor, and Afghanistan have taken centre stage.

What has become very noticeable is the increased interest of young Australians in our commemoration of our nation’s contribution to conflicts around the world.

Young Australians have a renewed interest in the events of World War I and can often be found walking the hills and gullies of Gallipoli or participating in Anzac Day services in France and Belgium.

To think this change is merely because overseas travel is now more available would be to sell short the motivation of young Australians in these events.

Possibly it comes from a deep and hard to explain desire to search for something meaningful and moral in their country’s history and in their own family backgrounds.

As our nation struggles with the ambiguity and to some the divisive nature of 26th January as a national day of celebration young Australians have turned to Anzac Day for a sense of clarity in what it is to be Australian? The sight of Australian High School students shedding tears over the graves of their ancestors in the cemeteries of Gallipoli or the sense of pride they feel when hearing their National Anthem played in Anzac services in Villers Bretonneux in France or the Menin Gate in Belgium, suggest there is a need to know our nation has contributed to a higher moral cause and so generates a sense of pride in their country.

To our surviving veterans of recent conflicts it is hoped Anzac Day fills them with pride and helps to heal the traumas many of them carry from the events of the past.

Anzac Day is a recognition the nation values their contribution and honours their sacrifice. No matter where an Anzac Dawn service is held, be it the shores of Gallipoli, King George Square in Brisbane or Westbrook or Greenmount they are important and emotional commemorations that have become possibly our nation’s most meaningful and valued national gathering.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 13 April 2023.