It's ANZAC day tomorrow.

It's probably one of the most important national commemorative occasions in Australia. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. 

It's also a somber reminder of the immeasurable and ultimate sacrifice of those who died so honorably serving in battle that we might enjoy the freedom and prosperity that we too often take for granted.

An acronym for "Australian & New Zealand Army Corps.", ANZAC day - April 25th - is marked all around Australia with Commemorative services held at dawn – the time of the original landing in Gallipoli. Later in the day, ex-servicemen and women meet to take part in marches through the major cities and in many smaller town centers.

On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany.

The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.

At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians at home. The 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

The Anzacs were courageous and although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy.

With the coming of the Second World War, Anzac Day also served to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in that war. The meaning of Anzac Day today includes the remembrance of all Australians killed in military operations.

Why not take a moment today to thank those who serve your country in uniform. Write an email, send a text message. Pray for them and their family members, they need your prayers and support!