Celebrating Anzac Day
The History, the Ceremonies and the Public Games of Two-Up
What is Anzac Day?
The 25th of April is Australia’s most important national occasion. The day marks the anniversary of the first time Australian and New Zealand forces fought in military action during World War I. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in these forces shortly afterward became known as ANZACs, and the name continues to bring pride to each member who puts on the uniform.
The ANZAC Legend
The day brings particular pride to Australians because of the fight that was in each soldier. The group landed at Gallipoli, Turkey on 25th of April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold move to knock Turkey out of the First World War soon became a stalemate and the campaign dragged on for eight months. While the campaign failed in its military objectives of capturing Constantinople and knocking Turkey out of the war, the Australian and New Zealand troops’ showed great military might as well as true heart. The actions left a powerful legacy that became an important part of the national identity of both nations.
Commemorations
Australians recognise 25 April as an occasion to remember and thank all those who lost their lives while fighting for their country. Commemorative ceremonies are held at war memorials around the country. Each year the commemorations follow a pattern that is familiar to each generation. A typical ANZAC Day service contains the following features: introduction, hymn, an address, laying of wreaths, recitation, “The last post” a period of silence, “The rouse” or “The reveille”, and the National Anthem. At the Australian War Memorial, families will often place red poppies beside the names of relatives on the Memorial’s Roll of Honour.
Good Aussie Fun: Two up
There is also a lighter side to ANZAC Day. Many Australians will celebrate the ANZAC legend by drinking at a local pub and playing Two-up. The game is true-blue Australian, invented in old Australia and allowed to play legally in public on special holidays like ANZAC Day. The game is simple. One simply tosses two coins in the air and bets are placed on a showing of two heads or two tails. If one were to bet on heads he or she would win with two heads, toss again with a head and tail, and lose with two tails.
Bars to Visit
If you are looking to play the game in Sydney, any bar or pub is a sure bet. Yet here are some recommendations and specials: Coogee Bay Hotel is advertising that is has the biggest 2up ring in the Eastern Suburbs, live entertainment starting at 2 pm, and a “Split Roast + Scooner for $13.” At Darling Harbour there is always a lot of activity. Those at King Street Wharf’s Cargo Bar are also advertising some great games of Two-up. Cargo says it is hosting the biggest harbour side two up stadium in the world. It also says they will have a local DJ spinning tunes for dancing, while the famous Cargo BBQ will get fired up mid afternoon for some “hot snags.” And last of all is the ‘Aussie’ Hotel in the Rocks. The bar is all about being ‘true blue’ Australian and is proud to show it on Anzac Day. To bring out the spirit of the day, the pub’s staff will dress ‘digger style’ complete with camouflage netting, staff dressed as soldiers and nurses and the Scots College Pipe Band will play tunes all afternoon.
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