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Today is ANZAC Day. What? You’ve never heard of it? Well, ANZAC is an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corp. ANZAC is a nickname given to Army soldiers from those countries. ANZAC Day is April 25th. It is a public holiday to recognizes those in Australia and New Zealand who have served and died in war. It began to commemorate soldiers who served in World War I at Gallipoli. It has continued since, though its popularity has ebbed and flowed through the years. ANZAC Day begins at dawn with commemorative services, usually at a war memorial. It is followed by a march. After the march, a “gunfire breakfast” is often consumed. A “gunfire breakfast” is coffee with rum, which the soldiers at Gallipoli had prior to the battle.*
ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, Memorial and Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom are all examples of publicly recognizing something praiseworthy — the actions and sacrifices of soldiers. Many other countries do this as well.
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about “whatever is praiseworthy.” Public observances often recognize the praiseworthy actions of people. These observances often include actions besides military service. Sometimes they commemorate the history and founding of the community or nation. Others may remember national leaders, civil rights leaders or those who labor in the economy. Participating in these observances helps us focus on whatever is praiseworthy.
*”Anzac Day,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day.
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.