Commemorating ANZAC Day

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget.

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance to commemorate the men and women who served Australia in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

ANZAC Day was first recognised as a national day of commemoration in the 1920s to remember the more than 60,000 Australians who died during the war. Today, we pause to recognise the sacrifices of all those who have served our country, and we remember them.

Staff and clients across Afford community participated in activities and traditions to commemorate ANZAC Day this year.

Jamistown Community Centre included an ANZAC theme for their regular scrapbooking session. Everyone was encouraged to cut out and paste pictures to create collages for ANZAC Day. They also created ANZAC Day posters that featured red paper poppies. Together they talked about the meaning of ANZAC Day.

How To: Make an ANZAC Day paper poppy thanks to Kidspot.

Anzac biscuits are a favourite ANZAC Day baking tradition. The golden biscuits became associated with ANZAC Day as it is said that the biscuits were sent to soldiers during the war because their ingredients did not spoil easily and endured transportation.

Today, the Anzac biscuit recipe has evolved and is often part of cooking programs across Afford sites leading into our national day of remembrance.

Residents of our Pakenham Supported Accommodation rolled up their sleeves and made their very own Anzac biscuits. Paul and Jason helped read the recipe and get all the ingredients ready. With support from lifestyle assistants, they worked together to measure, mix, stir and roll the mixture into balls, flatten them on the baking tray and then bake them for 15 minutes. Everyone watched through the oven door glass with anticipation to taste their delicious Anzac biscuits.

While they waited for the biscuits to bake, staff and housemates discussed the meaning and spirit of ANZAC Day. When the oven timer beeped, everyone in the home enjoyed eating the biscuits they had made and remembered those who had served in wars for Australia.

How To: Make your own Anzac biscuits with this recipe from Taste.

Lest we forget.