The Anzac Day Ritual

Photographer unknown
Photograph of Military parade in Brisbane celebrating the first anniversary of ANZAC Day, 1916
2897 Edwards and Buchanan Family Papers and Photographs 1872-1942
John Oxley Library, SLQ
Acc: 2897/3
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Beginnings
On the 25 April 1916, one year to the day that Australians troops splashed ashore at the Gallipoli Peninsula, 6434 servicemen paraded through the streets of Brisbane before 50,000 onlookers.
This was the first instance of what would soon become an annual national ritual of observance - Anzac Day.
The origin of Anzac Day is a uniquely Queensland story. Following the suggestion from Brisbane land agent T.A. Ryan to chairman of the State Recruiting Committee, Colonel A.J. Thynne , a committee was formed in February 1916 to explore ways to publicly commemorate the almost 8 000 soldiers who had died in the failed campaign.

Exhibition Building to Concert Hall to Museum to Queensland Youth Orchestra
John Oxley Library, SLQ
Acc: 86-8-4
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The committee
The committee comprised leading establishment figures, including the Premier T.J. Ryan, The Minister for Education, The Mayor of Brisbane, and Canon David John Garland, an active member of the Queensland Recruiting Committee, who was appointed Secretary.

Honorable Secretary
Canon David John Garland
First honorary secretary of the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee of Queensland (ADCCQ)
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