What makes a tradition?
Traditions are beliefs, behaviors, customs, or practices that are passed down within or between groups, families, or societies, often with symbolic or special meaning. They can be transmitted by word of mouth, by practice, or by culture. They can last for a long time or change over generations. They can also reflect a way of thinking or acting that is established or inherited
Here are some created by the Australian armed forces from over the eras...
ANZAC DAY
25th APRIL
Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the nations of the world. When Britain declared war in August 1914 Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
The Poppy
The red poppy was among the first to flower in the battlefields of Northern France and Belgium after WW1. The vivid red colour, set in soldier's folklore, came from the blood of their fallen comrades soaking into the ground. Remembrance day is mostly associated with the red poppy, however they are also closely associated with ANZAC day, primarily because the poppies were growing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915 when the Australian troops first landed
The ANZAC biscuit
The ANZAC biscuits, which we enjoy today, came to mean a great deal in history during WW1.
Made with coconut, oats, golden syrup and containing no eggs, these biscuits had the ability to stay fresh for long periods of time, which meant that they could last the long journey to our brave soldiers fighting overseas. These biscuits were lovingly prepared by wives, sweethearts and mothers. They symbolise all the love and care from home. Today, they are still a link with our heritage and a reminder of the values that we still hold today.
The Slouch hat
The iconic Australian Slouch Hat was first designed so that the hat would not get caught during a soldiers drill movements. By WW1 this hat had become the standard issue for all soldiers in the Australian military. It then became the famous symbol of the Australian fighting man from then on. Its use now in the Australian Army uniform since that time is now a National symbol. During general parade the brim is worn down with no Australian badge, During ceremonial occasions (ANZAC day) the brim is worn up and the Australian badge is shown proudly.
On the 25th of April 1915 troops landed at Ari Burnu (a 600m long beach), at the hilly point known as 'Hell spit' on the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey. They were part of a larger allied campaign. Due to the dawn darkness, the difficult terrain and increasing fire from the Turkish defenders, the landing was difficult and costly. The Gallipoli campaign lasted nine months and the cove that was the camp HQ during this time became known as "ANZAC cove"
In 1942, Japan attempted to capture the capital city, Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea . The idea was to use it as an air base to launchtheir attacks. This posed a threat to the many troops based across northern Australia. The Japanese troops had landed on Papua New Guinea's north coast and begun trekking in on the Kokoda trail towards the capital. While trying to stop the advances, Some of the battles along the trail were among the most desperate and vicious encountered by Australian troops in WW1.​