Three words you should never say on Anzac Day

Aussies are being chastised for their use of a common phrase on April 25, with veterans describing it as “inappropriate”.

Aussies are being chastised for using the phrase ‘Happy Anzac Day’ today, with one veteran slamming the phrase as “inappropriate” and “disrespectful”.

Today marks the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915 and it commemorates Australians who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

The solemnity of the services is reflected in the fact some 8700 brave Australians lost their lives and 18,000 were wounded during the campaign.

Happy Anzac Day 🌹 pic.twitter.com/ukU5YqmD15

— MateaUjević🏆 (@musicbethowen) April 25, 2023

In all, 61,522 Australians lost their lives in World War I.

But all across social media, ‘Happy Anzac Day’ proliferates posts.

Veteran David Sieber, who has marched on Anzac Day since 1975, told The Daily Telegraph the phrase was “completely inappropriate” and “disrespectful” to all veterans who lost their lives.

happy anzac day 🇳🇿🇦🇺 !!!

— saturn (@saturnstiic) April 25, 2023

“The word ‘happy’ shouldn’t be used … You say ‘Happy Easter’ and Christmas, but this is a solemn day and it’s not appropriate,” he said.

“If you say ‘happy’, then you include it with other celebrations.

“Today is an act of Remembrance.”

Veteran David Sieber said the use of the phrase ‘Happy Anzac Day’ was inappropriate. Picture: Adella Beaini

He said while the Anzac march remains a solemn occasion, he fears the day has become broadly commercialised, reminding younger Australians the day was a time to appreciate the freedoms of living in Australia and remember those that fought and died for them.

Dear celeb TV talkers. I don’t think “happy ANZAC day” is a thing. You can enjoy the day, but wishing a happy one is misplaced. No-one says “happy funeral”. Say what you mean, not what you think you should say. #authenticity

— Just Mick (@mickrh) April 25, 2020

But some social media users were also quick to point out the inappropriateness of the phrase.

“This is an announcement because I have heard someone say ‘Happy Anzac Day’ before,” one wrote. “A reminder that it’s a day of quiet commemoration.”

Another explained that saying ‘Happy Anzac Day’ was insulting to Australians.

‘I (heard this) one time, from an American I was working with. I explained to them it would be like me saying ‘Happy 9/11’,” a second person wrote.

Some reminders:

1. We commemorate ANZAC Day... We don't 'celebrate' it.

2. Please don't say 'Happy ANZAC Day'. Seriously...

3. Yes, it's a public holiday. Yes, it's already a short week. But there's a reason we have the day off.#ANZACDay2019#ANZACDay#RespectTheDay

— Scott Phillips (@TMFScottP) April 23, 2019

Another explained: “We commemorate ANZAC Day … We don’t ‘celebrate’ it. Please don’t say ‘Happy ANZAC Day’. Seriously …”

Emotional scenes

Australians and New Zealanders have gathered to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli in World War I.

Services were held in cities and towns, big and small, to mark Anzac Day – the most solemn day on the Australian calendar.

There were emotional scenes with young and old gathered to pay tribute to fallen servicemen and women.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (C) attends the 2023 Dawn Service with partner Jodie Haydon (L), Kim Beazley and wife Susie Annus (R) at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Ben Appleton

As first light broke over the horizon of capital cities, the crowds filed into RSLs and community halls across the country for tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits.

More than 7000 current serving members and veterans, some from as far back as the Second World War, marched from Martin Place to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney from 9am.

Thousands gathered at the Adelaide Dawn Service including Premier Peter Malinauskas and Senator Penny Wong to lay wreaths.

In Canberra, about 30,000 gathered before first light the Australian War Memorial despite the mercury reaching an icy 6C.

The Anzac Day parade in Sydney today. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dylan Coker

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the crowd of thousands who came out in the cold to pay their respects during his first Anzac Day speech as the nation’s leader.
“Of course, many did come home, only to face another battle within. A battle that, tragically, is not always won,” he said.

“If we are to truly honour our veterans, we owe them something more than just gratitude. Just as they stepped up for us, we must step up for them.”

The bugle played out at first light in the nation’s capital in a rendition of the Last Post before a minute’s silence fell over the crowd.

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