Anzac Traditions: What do they mean?
Cronulla RSL are committed to honouring and commemorating those who have served our nation. This Friday, our community will come together to mark ANZAC Day, one of the most important days in our calendar. On the day, several meaningful traditions will take place that are at the heart of the commemorations.
Lest we forget.
Two Up:
Two-up is a traditional Australian game where two coins are tossed into the air and players bet on the outcome being both heads or both tails. It is legally permitted only on ANZAC Day and during commemorative events held in the seven days leading up to ANZAC Day.
The game holds strong cultural significance, as it was commonly played by Australian soldiers during World War I in the trenches and aboard troopships. Today, it continues to be played in pubs and clubs across the country on ANZAC Day, serving as a tribute to the shared experiences of diggers.
Outside of this commemorative period, playing Two-up is generally prohibited under Australian law.
Rum & Milk:
On ANZAC Day, the tradition of serving rum, often with milk, coffee, or tea, is part of the "gunfire breakfast,
Rum and milk was the beverage provided to soldiers at first light in preparation for battle.
It was customary to add a tipple of rum to their cup of breakfast milk to help the soldiers shake off some nerves, or as one veteran digger put it, “give 'em a touch of courage”.
Rosemary:
It is customary to wear a sprig of rosemary, typically pinned to a coat lapel or breast, or held in place by medals.
This practice serves as a tangible reminder of those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
The aromatic herb grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, where the original Anzacs served in World War I.
Medals:
You'll see veterans wearing medals on commemorative days, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. All veterans wear their own medals on the left side of their chest. Widows, widowers and other relations of veterans may wear their relative's medals on the right side.
Medals awarded to the wearer: These are worn on the left side of the chest or jacket. This includes campaign medals, bravery medals, and service medals.
Ancestor's medals: Medals that were not awarded directly to the wearer, such as family medals, are worn on the right side of the chest or jacket. This indicates that the wearer is not the original recipient.
