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Sunday 25 April 2010 is Anzac Day, a commemoration of all New Zealanders killed in war and the efforts of our returned servicemen and women.

Have a look at events and activities happening around Wellington for Anzac Day at the bottom of this page.

It is the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers (named the ANZACs) on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 during the First World War. The ANZACS were charged with capturing the Dardanelles, the gateway to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. This turned out to be a disastrously unsuccessful campaign as thousands of Turkish, French, British Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost their lives. Among the dead were 2721 New Zealanders, almost a quarter of those who served at Gallipoli.

The Gallipoli landings may have led to a military defeat, but they signified the beginning of something else for New Zealand - a distinct identity as a nation.

Nowadays, Anzac Day is celebrated with sombre, ritualistic ceremonies in war memorials across the country or in places overseas where New Zealanders gather. The red poppy has become a symbol of the Anzacs and is worn to show remembrance.

Poppy Day is usually observed on the Friday before ANZAC Day. This year it will be Friday 23 April. RSA volunteers exchange the distinctive red poppy in return for a donation in support of the RSA Welfare Fund. The poppy serves to remind the wearer of the sacrifice of life made in times of war, and to show support for the valuable welfare work of the RSA.

This week, join thousands of other Wellingtonians at a dawn ceremony, wear a red poppy and show your support for our servicemen on this special day.

Events and activities happening around Wellington for Anzac Day include:

* Anzac Day Ceremonies around the Wellington region, including the Dawn Parade and wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph

* Anzac Concert - We'll Meet Again. The Wellington City Council tribute concert to the servicemen and women of the First and Second World Wars is at the Wellington Town Hall on Sunday 25 April at 7pm.

* Visit the National War Memorial to get a taste of our war history. There will be talks between 12.30pm and 6pm.

* Anzac Day Celebrations at Te Papa on Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April

* Wrights Hill Fortress Open Day - visit the historic gun emplacements on Wrights Hill, Karori. Guided tours or explore the tunnels on your own, 10am - 4pm.

* Anzac In Concert is a concert at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua with brass bands and entertainment

* A wartime musical called We'll Meet Again is playing in Upper Hutt from 12 April until 25 April

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