Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".

What is the meaning of dawn service?

Dawn Service. During battle, the half-light of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the 'stand-to'.

Where did the idea of the dawn service come from?

Suggestions that Dawn Services began in places such as Albany in 1919 and in Sydney in 1927 as spontaneous acts of remembrance all have an element of truth to them and indicate that the concept of an early morning service developed independently in communities across Australian and New Zealand.