Signifigance of WW1 - The Last Post

 The Last Post

The Last Post was first used by the British Army in the 1790s, back then soldiers didn't have watches or any easy way to keep track of time, instead different tunes were played around camps to let them know what time of the day it was.

The 'Reveille' was played at dawn and soldiers woke up, while the 'The Last Post' let soldiers know it was the end of they day. Over time people started to play the last post at funerals and memorial services, it became a way of saying of saying a final farewell to soldier, it symbolised their duty was over and that they could finally rest in peace, that's a big reason why today it's become a really important part of memorial Day like Remembrance Day and Anzac Day

When the post is played during services such as Anzac Day it is required of all current serving military members to salute for the duration of the call.

Everyday at 5pm, a Last Post ceremony was conducted on the forecourt of the National War Memorial in Wellington.

What is Anzac Day?

Each year on 25 April, - Anzac Day - New Zealanders remember those who have served and died in war. The first Anzac Day was held in 1916, during the First World War. The day has gone through many changes since then, but it still marks very important moments in the history of New Zealand and its people.

What happens on Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is a public holiday, put aside for remembrance. Most shops close on this day. Many people take the opportunity to gather with friends and family. Anzac Day commemorations generally start with a Dawn Service held at a Community's local war memorial. Dawn marks the time of the first landings at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Some communities also hold a service later in the morning. During Anzac Day services, there are speeches, wreaths are laid and the New Zealand national anthem is played. At the end of the service a bugler plays the Last Post, following by a minute of silence when people stand and remember those who served and died in war.