The plucky bravery of the ANZACs is one of our great national stories – it plays into our idea of who we are. But what does it say about us that one of the touchstones of our identity is based on a historic defeat? And why does a military battle one hundred years ago loom so large on the national landscape?
Today, some are sick of the mantras of ANZAC and mateship, while others believe that worship of soldiers is inappropriate in an era when we’re still at war in Afghanistan and once again intervening in Iraq. Why is ANZAC Day getting bigger, not smaller? Why do we still hold soldiers long dead in such high regard?
Does ANZAC Day glorify war? Should we instead have a national day of peace?
It's a controversial issue with arguments on both sides.
What do people today think about ANZAC Day?
Respond to this poll to find out!