This is just one link to the history of this day; there are many others on the internet.
http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_tradition.asp
But what has touched me most is the following comment from my new blog friend, Nia at photographyofnia.wordpress.com
Here is what she says:
First of all Thank you for visiting my blog, dear Julie. I am so glad to meet you. These photographs and your writing are so nice… My love and My prayers for you too on this Anzac Day… It is a memorial day, for us too.
In Turkey the name “ANZAC Cove” was officially recognised by the Turkish government on Anzac Day in 1985. In 1934, Kemal Atatürk delivered the following words to the first Australians, New Zealanders and British to visit the Gallipoli battlefields. This was later inscribed on a monolith at Ari Burnu Cemetery (ANZAC Beach) which was unveiled in 1985. The words also appear on the Kemal Atatürk Memorial, Canberra, and the Atatürk Memorial in Wellington:
“Those heroes that shed their blood And lost their lives. You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side Here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, Who sent their sons from far away countries Wipe away your tears, Your sons are now lying in our bosom And are in peace After having lost their lives on this land they have Become our sons as well.”
Thank you, Blessing and Happiness, dear Julie with my love, nia
I think you will agree that the above quote says it all – not just about ANZAC Day and what it means, but about life and death and the longevity of love and loyalty and maybe God.
jmgoyder 
I knew nothing about ANZAC day. We are so insular here in the US; we think we are the only ones that fight in other peoples’ countries. What a lovely tribute on the war memorial. Thanks for including this in your blog!
Thanks so much for this comment. I didn’t realize that ANZAC Day wasn’t a day the whole world knew about – so it’s possibly we who are insulated too!
My heart and prayers are with you all my dear Julie…
Thank you, you are so nice, Blessing and Happiness,
with my love, nia
Thanks for letting me use your words!
All Allied soldiers of the many wars should be remembered. Young men and women who lost their lives fighting for freedom.
Yes!
I should have also mentioned the civilians as well.
Very true.
That’s a beautiful sentiment, respecting strangers’ lives as much as your native sons’. Very generous.
Yes, it’s one of the things that makes ANZAC Day so unusual.
Beautiful sentiments from a lovely heart. Thank you for sharing Nia’s words with us.
~ Lynda
Ooo! and thank you for the link, you have saved me searching! 😉 ~ L
No probs!
I think Nia must be pretty special!
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What an awesome message to receive. I know that others see you as I do.
I hope you are feeling better, I have thought about you all day and evening. It’s what I do. Knowing all that you are dealing with and then to get sick too? Really?
Can Jules just have a break plase?
I’ve killed my flu off with some asthma drugs I have on hand – phew! Last time I ended up in hospital so I am very relieved the flu didn’t grab me like that time – phew again! Thanks so much for your thoughts and isn’t Nia the best!
I’d never even heard of Anzac day. The tribute Nia shared was beautiful!
Yes and glad to have let people know about ANZAC Day.