ANZAC Day is one of the most solemn and meaningful days in Australian and New Zealand history. Every year on April 25th, people gather at dawn services, local memorials, and war cemeteries to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps—better known as the ANZACs.
Among the traditions of this commemorative day, the sharing of poems about ANZAC Day holds a special place. Poetry captures the emotion, the history, and the personal stories of war in a way that deeply resonates with readers and listeners. In this article, we’ll explore the best ANZAC Day poems, the role of poetry in remembrance, and why these verses continue to touch hearts more than a century after the Gallipoli landings.
Why Poetry Matters on ANZAC Day
Poems about ANZAC Day serve multiple purposes. They are a form of remembrance, reflection, and education. Through carefully chosen words and powerful imagery, these poems:
- Honour the sacrifices made by soldiers
- Reflect on the pain and loss of war
- Celebrate the spirit of mateship and resilience
- Pass on the memory to new generations
Whether it’s a well-known verse read aloud at a dawn service, or a personal poem written by a student or veteran, ANZAC Day remembrance poems play a critical role in keeping history alive.
The History of ANZAC Day in Poetry
From the very first ANZAC Day in 1916, poetry has accompanied the commemorations. Early poems were often published in newspapers and memorial booklets, written by soldiers, nurses, family members, or patriotic citizens. These verses gave voice to grief, pride, and reflection in a way that united communities.
One of the earliest and most enduring pieces of ANZAC war poetry is “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon, written in 1914. Although not written specifically about ANZAC troops, the fourth stanza—known as the “Ode of Remembrance”—has become synonymous with ANZAC Day services across Australia and New Zealand:
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.
These lines are now recited every year, followed by a solemn and unified response:
“We will remember them.”
Famous Poems About ANZAC Day
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous and deeply moving poems to read on ANZAC Day. These pieces have become part of the collective memory, often recited at commemorative events, in schools, and shared on social media each year.
1. “In Flanders Fields” – John McCrae
Although written by a Canadian soldier, this poem has strong ties to ANZAC remembrance. The image of red poppies blooming on the battlefields has become a universal symbol of sacrifice and remembrance.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row…
The ANZAC poppy poem, as many refer to it, reminds us of the price of war and the promise to carry the torch forward.
2. “Gallipoli” – Leon Gellert
Leon Gellert was an Australian soldier who served at Gallipoli. His poems are raw and reflective, written from first-hand experience. His collection “Songs of a Campaign” includes many references to the Gallipoli landings and the reality of war.
The things that tortured me most were the eyes
Of the fellows who lay on the sand…
3. “The ANZAC on the Wall” – Jim Brown
A popular modern ANZAC Day poem, Jim Brown’s heartfelt piece tells the story of a young soldier whose portrait hangs on a wall, silently witnessing the passage of time. The poem brings the past into the present in a moving and relatable way.
I wondered who the young man was, and where he went to war…
Contemporary ANZAC Day Poems
In addition to historical works, many Australians and New Zealanders continue to write ANZAC Day poems today. School children, veterans, poets, and everyday citizens pen verses to express their connection to this powerful day.
Here are some common themes in modern poems about ANZAC Day:
- Legacy: Exploring how the spirit of the ANZACs lives on today
- Mateship: Celebrating friendship, loyalty, and unity under fire
- Reflection: Looking inward to understand what war means in a modern world
- Youth: Acknowledging how young so many soldiers were
Writing Your Own ANZAC Day Poem
If you’re feeling inspired to contribute your own verse, here are some tips to help you write meaningful ANZAC Day poetry:
1. Start with a personal connection
Do you have a family member who served? Did you attend a dawn service that moved you? Personal stories add authenticity.
2. Use vivid imagery
Poetry is all about emotion and sensory detail. Describe the sounds of marching boots, the silence at dawn, or the sight of red poppies swaying.
3. Choose a structure that suits your voice
Some of the most famous ANZAC remembrance poems use rhyming quatrains, while others are free verse. Choose what feels natural.
4. Focus on universal themes
Honor, sacrifice, youth, loss, and legacy are themes that resonate with everyone, no matter their background.
Long-Tail Keywords to Know
If you’re searching for the perfect piece to read or write on April 25th, here are some of the most searched long-tail keywords related to poems about ANZAC Day:
- Short poems for ANZAC Day ceremonies
- Emotional ANZAC Day poems for school
- ANZAC Day poems by Australian soldiers
- Child-friendly poems about ANZAC Day
- Famous poems from Gallipoli campaign
- Best poems to honour ANZAC soldiers
Using these phrases helps readers (and search engines) connect with meaningful content that reflects the spirit of the day.
How Schools Use ANZAC Day Poetry
In classrooms across Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC Day poems for students are a key part of learning. Teachers often introduce children to simplified, age-appropriate verses that convey respect, history, and the concept of peace.
Some schools even hold ANZAC Day poetry competitions, where students write and present their own work. This creative engagement allows the next generation to develop empathy and understanding through words.
Here’s a simple example of a child-friendly ANZAC Day poem:
At dawn we stand so very still,
Our hearts are filled with pride.
We think of those who went to war,
And those who fought and died.
ANZAC Day Poetry in Popular Culture
Over the years, ANZAC Day war poems have been featured in:
- Dawn services and national broadcasts
- Commemorative books and anthologies
- Songs inspired by war poetry
- Art installations and memorials
Poems are often read aloud by veterans, school children, or community leaders. Their impact lies not just in the words, but in the shared silence that follows.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Words on ANZAC Day
As we mark each ANZAC Day, whether at a local service, in a school classroom, or in quiet reflection at home, poetry gives us a voice. It allows us to express gratitude, grief, admiration, and remembrance in a form that endures.
From timeless verses like “For the Fallen” to heartfelt modern ANZAC Day poems, these words remind us that the bravery of the ANZACs lives on—not just in history books, but in the rhythm and rhyme of our hearts.
So, this ANZAC Day, take a moment to read a poem. Or write one. Let the power of words help us remember them. Always.