ANZAC: A Legacy of Courage
ANZAC Day, observed on 25 April, marks the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915. What followed was a campaign defined by harsh conditions, steep terrain, and fierce resistance. Despite this, the soldiers showed extraordinary courage, endurance, and mateship — values that continue to shape the identity of both nations today.
The red poppy, seen throughout the foreground, has become a lasting symbol of remembrance. It represents the sacrifice of those who served and those who never returned, inspired by the flowers that grew across the battlefields after the war.
Also remembered is the 28th Māori Battalion, whose bravery, unity, and mana became legendary. Their legacy stands as a powerful symbol of courage, cultural strength, and service.
About the Image
This commemorative artwork brings together key moments, symbols, and identities of ANZAC history into one unified scene.
In the foreground, two soldiers stand in quiet reflection overlooking a vast landscape at sunrise. Their posture conveys remembrance, respect, and the weight of history, while the rising sun symbolises hope and the enduring legacy of those who served.
To the left, soldiers are shown advancing during the Gallipoli campaign, representing the harsh reality of war and the courage required in the face of uncertainty. To the right, a haka is performed — a powerful expression of unity, strength, and identity, honouring the spirit of the Māori Battalion.
At the centre of the composition sit three emblems: the 28th Māori Battalion, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, representing the combined strength and shared history of both nations.
The landscape is framed by national symbols — the silver fern on the left representing New Zealand, and the golden wattle on the right representing Australia. Together, they stand as enduring emblems of identity, remembrance, and shared sacrifice.
The entire composition is unified by warm sunrise light and soft atmospheric blending, symbolising reflection, remembrance, and the lasting connection between past and present.
Lest we forget.
