You may be wondering what ANZAC Day is, who the ANZACs are, and what those golden cookies are that are associated with it. Here’s the rundown:
What is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the First and Second World Wars. The commemoratory date (April 25) marks the anniversary of the ANZACs initial landing in Gallipoli, Turkey. The day was originally observed to honor the soldiers who died in that conflict, but it now honors all Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women, who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The Dawn Service
Each year, this day is celebrated in cities across the globe with a Dawn Service, held in honor of the soldiers first pre-dawn landing at Gallipoli. This year, we invite you to join us at the Vietnam Veterans Plaza (55 Water Street New York) at 5:30am, to commemorate ANZACs past and present.
Free Flat Whites
If you plan on joining us before the ‘crack of dawn,’ you’re probably wondering where you can fill up (and fuel up) post-service. We’ve got you covered! From 6:00am-7:30am, Bluestone Lane at 90 Water Street will be serving free Flat Whites and mate’s rates on fresh ANZAC Biscuits. An Aussie deal to ease you into your day following the early rise.
ANZAC Biscuits
You may have previously seen the traditional golden oatmeal-looking ‘bikkies’ at Bluestone Lane and wondered what they were… The simple yet delicious cookie is made with flour, oats, golden syrup, desiccated coconut, sugar, butter and baking soda, and was given its name due to its service during WWI & WWII. Its service, was to provide the ANZAC soldiers with a taste of home, in the form of a biscuit prepared by wives and women’s groups back in the motherland. The ingredients do not spoil easily, and they kept well during naval transportation. You could expect a two-week shelf life from these wartime treats, that are now readily available in all supermarkets and bakeries in AUS & NZ (and of course, at Bluestone Lane).
