ANZAC means Australia and New Zealand Armed Corps. The original Anzacs were the soldiers who landed at Gallipoli on Turkish Aegean coast, on 25 April 1915. During WWI, England wanted to eliminate Turkey from the war, draw Bulgaria and Greece into the war on their side and also find a rear guard action that would give them access to a supply route to Russia. This would provide them with a successful venture to raise morale in England. Many Australians either still wished to support old "mother England"(despite Federation 15 years earlier) or eagerly signed up to prove Australia's worth on the world stage. After landing at Gallipoli, the ANZAC troops were slaughtered, but held their ground despite the constant gunfire and battles,week upon week, thereby earning their countrymen's respect and undying admiration. Thus was the legend begun
CEW Bean was the Australian official war correspondent, and later official war historian of the time. He landed with the ANZACs at Gallipoli, and his writings contributed significantly to the development and growth of the ANZAC legend. His detailed reports on the landing and subsequent battles provided a unique and personal perspective on the events.
Anzac Day is April 25 every year, observed to remember the original ANZACs and all those that came after them. The hardships endured in the trenches and battles in Turkey forged the feeling of having defended the nation of Australia for the first time since federation. The fledgling nation responded to the stories of bravery, suffering and tenacity with patriotic zeal, as this was the first opportunity to feel united in adversity.
From 1916 onwards, in both Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC services were held on or about April 25, mainly organised by returned servicemen and school children in cooperation with local authorities. ANZAC Day was gazetted as a public holiday in New Zealand in 1921. In Australia, it was decided at the 1921 state premiers conference that ANZAC Day be observed on April 25 each year. Initially, it was not observed uniformly in all the states.
The ANZAC day legend isn't one specific thing. It is about the general courage of Australian and New Zealand forces who have fought in all the wars since WW1. The Anzac spirit was born at Gallipoli in 1915. Since then it has been demonstrated not only by Australians in war but also by those whose contribution has been in other war fields.
It was the first time that Australia and New Zealand's armies battled representing their own country, which put Australia (and New Zealand) on the map.