Today is ANZAC day.
In case you’re not familiar with Anzac Day, it’s a national remembrance day celebrated annually on the 25^th of April in Australia and New Zealand. The day is observed in honor of those who have served and died in the conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations during the World Wars.
So what does ANZAC stand for?
The acronym ANZAC actually stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and the soldiers of both forces became commonly known as Anzacs.
 
The meaning of Anzac Day to Australians and New Zealanders
Many citizens of both countries have different views and some, even mixed feelings about the national day of remembrance. Most of those who had loved ones serve and die during the war make it a point to observe Anzac Day, while some people with different views especially about war, don’t share the same genuine sorrow during the national day. Today however, Anzac Day is seen as a day that promotes a sense of unity among the nations.
Why is Anzac Day special? 
Anzac Day is a crucial part of the forces history and is part of their identity. It has shaped the way both nations view their past and their future. It all began in 1915, when the Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed an expedition to take on the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. This was so that Constantinople (now Istanbul), an ally of Germany could be captured. However, things took a bad turn and what was meant to be an easy victory dragged on for eight harsh months. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had died in the campaign. Though it was a failed one, the Australian and New Zealand forces had undoubtedly, left a prevailing legacy to remember.

What is the significance of the Dawn Service?
The Dawn Service on Anzac Day is typically celebrated by generations of Australians today. Soldiers during the world war awoke before sunrise to prepare for an attack in order to be fully alert and ready at first light. So today, it is seen as something incredibly symbolic. Even after the First World War, soldiers who returned sought the solidarity they had felt in those silent and peaceful moments before sunrise. This war ritual has been turned into a symbolic service, usually with hymns, prayers, laying of wreaths and recitation of letters are done to celebrate the fallen.

Anzac Day in Sabah
In Sabah, Anzac Day is also celebrated by the family and friends of Australian, New Zealand as well as local soldiers who have lost their lives during the Second World War. Many travel from near and far just to celebrate the significant day. A Dawn Service takes place annually on the 25^th of April at the Sandakan Memorial Park, which was built on the site of the former Second World War Prisoner of War (POW) Camp. The event is conducted by the Australian Government together with the support of the local communities of Sandakan.
Red Poppies
The red poppy flower is normally worn during war remembrance events or occasions. The flower is a lasting memorial symbol because the red poppy grew in the battlefields right after World War One ended. Today, there are paper poppies made and worn in several countries in remembrance of those who have served and died in the war. In New Zealand, they are commonly worn on Anzac Day.
Anzac Biscuits  
There’s a type of cookie called the Anzac Biscuits today, which was then known as ‘Soldier Biscuits’. They are called Anzac Biscuits because it has long been connected to the Australian and New Zealand Corps. People claimed that the biscuits were baked and sent by the wives of the soldiers abroad as the ingredients don’t spoil as easily and can last longer.