Anzac Day is usually a solemn time when we come together to remember the sacrifices made in the past. Here are four ways you and your family can mark Anzac Day this year while staying safe in your bubble.
Complete our Since Writing You Last quiz
Keep the kids busy with our Anzac themed quiz. Explore Since Writing You Last to find the answers to these wartime-related questions.
- What are the names of the four soldiers whose letters are on the Since Writing You Last website?
- What date did New Zealand find out that war had been declared?
- How many troop ships left Wellington on 3rd December 1914?
- How old was Len Shepard when he enlisted in the army?
- What was served to one of the soldiers for Christmas dinner?
- What date was conscription announced?
- Whereabouts in Southland were the McIntyre brothers born?
- What was Len Shepard’s job before joining the NZ Expeditionary Force?
- How old was John Hall when he left school?
- Which two soldiers came home to Southland after the end of WWI?
Make your own poppy ✂️
The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. People in many countries wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or who still serve in the armed forces. Make your own poppy to wear or display this ANZAC day to remember our fallen soldiers. The RSA website has some great ideas to help you out.
Bake Anzac biscuits 🍪
Although it’s a myth that ANZAC biscuits were sent and eaten by troops in Gallipoli, rolled oats biscuits were in fact sold and consumed at fetes, galas, parades and other public events at home, to raise funds for the war effort.This connection to the troops serving overseas led to them being referred to as “soldier’s biscuits”.
The basic ingredients for a rolled oat biscuit were rolled oats, sugar, flour, butter with golden syrup, not eggs, used as a binding agent. This made them not only nutritious and full of energy but also long lasting.
After WWI, the most popular rolled oat biscuit had the name and association of ANZAC applied to it and thus the legend of the ANZAC biscuit began. Try making some of your own.
Hold a home service 🎖️
With the cancellation of ANZAC day services due to COVID-19, think about ways in which you could have your own service at home. You can join other New Zealanders at 6:00am on Saturday 25 April. Visit the RSA website for all the details.
