The Returned and Services League of Australia, Washington, DC

What is ANZAC Day? ANZAC Day – 25 April – is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. What does ANZAC stand for? ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day. Why is this day special to Australians? When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. The Australian ...

Each year on the 25th of April, Australians and New Zealanders commemorate ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day to recognise the sacrifices that Australian and New Zealand soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen have made  not only in defending their country, but in upholding their nations’ longstanding commitment to peace and security. To mark this special occasion for 2012, the Australian and New Zealand Embassies are co-hosting a program of events to which all are welcome. These events include: ANZAC Lecture – 12 April 2012 Presented in conjunction with the Centre for Australian and New Zealand Studies, Ambassador for New Zealand The Right Honourable Mike Moore will deliver the 2012 lecture. When: 12 April 2011 Time: 6.30pm Where: McNeir Auditorium Georgetown University RSVP: canz@georgetown.edu 202 687 7464 Australian Exhibition – from 24 April 2012 ‘Australia’s Mission in Afghanistan’ Featuring more than 50 photographs documenting Australian operations in Afghani...

Sub-branch Member, and 2002 president, Daren J, Flit croft, (Age 88) of Washington, DC died peacefully at his home March 26, 2012 of cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary D. Flitcroft; son, Arn D. Flitcroft; daughter, Sandra L. Flitcroft; grandsons, Daren R. Flitcroft and Daniel D. Flitcroft; sister, Diana Bollerman; brother, Willard Flitcroft; nieces and nephews. Plans for a memorial service and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be announced at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of Washington, DC and American Cancer Society . http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=15673 6909

April 2012 Newsletter When: Thursday, April 12 Time: Noon to 2:00 pm Where: Amenities room Embassy of Australia 1601 Massachusetts Ave Washington DC 20036 Guest Speaker: LT COL ROB GILLARD, ONZM, Military Attaché, New Zealand Defence Force Staff, Washington, DC. Topic –The current New Zealand United States relationship and how it has changed over the last two years. Charge: $15.00, including sodas. Alcoholic beverages, $2.00 each. Volunteers: As usual, we need a volunteer (or two) to run the bar. RSVP (Include your affiliation) by noon on Wednesday April 11, 2012, to David Ward by calling 202-352-8550, or via e-mail to dmward1973@gmail.com. Parking: There is no parking at the Embassy. In addition to on street metered parking, nearby commercial parking facilities are located behind and under the Airline Pilots Association (17th and Mass), and at 1500 Mass. Ave, NW. 2012 Membership dues of $30.00 are payable at the meeting. Alternatively, make your check payable to R&SL, an...