What is special about Anzac Day 2015?
- Anzac day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand
- Anzac day is held on the 25th of April each year
- On the 25th of April 1915 the ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli
- The 25th of April 2015 will be the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli
The National War Memorial Park will mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War (1914-1918). All over the world, countries are making plans to remember what happened to their people in that war and wars that followed. Because of Gallipoli, the first New Zealand commemoration event is on 25th April 2015.
Why should we commemorate Anzac Day?
Anzac Day remembers:
- 30,000 New Zealanders who have died in wars
- 300,000 who have served New Zealand and survived to come home again.
At memorial services, we have a chance to think about the impact wars have had on our lives. Huge crowds come to services at the National War Memorial in Wellington. People will have more space to gather when Buckle Street is underground in a tunnel and the park is on top.
Other benefits
Memorial Park will create:
- a peaceful space in front of the National War Memorial
- a space for new memorials from other countries
- a space for memorials from big events in the future
- pathways so people can travel through it
- quiet spaces for people to pause and reflect
Memorial Park will also:
- be a ‘green corridor’
- fit into the Wellington’s plan for a ‘greener’ city
- make walking and cycling to work easier
- look good
- help to build New Zealanders’ sense of national identity
