Anzac Day and Remembrance Day hold a prominent place in Australian cultural and education calendars, and educators and parents are often encouraged to engage children in commemorative events. This article explores some of the challenges involved in engaging children with commemoration days. It offers six tips to support children’s understanding of these events and participate in them in meaningful and respectful ways. We also explore how to challenge cultural myths and avoid glorifying war.

1. What is a commemoration, and why do we have these events?

Supporting children to understand that commemoration is very different to celebration is essential. Children can understand that we might celebrate a birthday but commemorate someone’s life at a funeral. In the same way, we might celebrate Christmas, Diwali or Hanukkah, but we commemorate Anzac Day and Remembrance Day because they are about loss, rather than celebrating a happy event.

Many countries mark special days to commemorate those who served their countries in various capacities during past and current conflicts. Remembrance Day, which marks the end of World War I, is one example. Commemorative services are held in many of the countries that were involved in the conflict, where the day may also be known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day.

It should be noted that these events change over time. They might have started for one particular conflict but were broadened to include others. For example, Anzac Day once commemorated only World War 1, for the loss of those in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Now we also recognise other international conflicts, peace keeping missions and service provided within Australia on that day. Similarly, we now include other service organisations in our Anzac Day events, such as first responders and emergency services.

2. Why, what and how we remember

Why?

These commemorative days provide an opportunity for children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the past and current sacrifices of those who have lost their lives or were injured when serving their countries. Injuries can be physical, mental and/or moral. These events also remind us of the contributions and hardships that they endured at the time, but for those still living, they still endure due to memories and injuries.

It is important to acknowledge the families and friends who lost loved ones in these conflicts, as well as their vital role in caring for those whose lives were deeply affected by their service. War and conflict change people, and those around them also carry that impact.

What?

Crucially, older children are encouraged to develop knowledge and critical thinking about the choices our society makes regarding which conflicts to remember. For example, WWI and WWII are frequently highlighted at these events, while conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, plus peace-keeping missions, often receive far less recognition. Similarly, Australia’s own Frontier Wars—the conflicts between Indigenous Australians and European settlers for over 100 years during colonisation—remain largely unacknowledged in many commemorative events.

Importantly, women are often less visible and less likely to be mentioned at these events. Many women have served our country and communities in ways that were unseen. That included working in ammunition factories, working on farms to ensure Australians could still eat when male farmers went to war, raising children, fundraising, supporting the morale and welfare of deployed personnel, and keeping businesses afloat when male members of their household were away. Also, women did a lot of logistical, administrative and spy work in past conflicts which needs to be remembered.

How?

It is important for children to recognise that commemorating is a personal experience. While some people choose to attend events and marches, others may prefer to remember and reflect quietly at home, outside in nature, or at family events. There is no single right way to commemorate.

Some people who have served or supported a veteran may choose not to take part in commemorations because it is too painful or something they are trying hard to forget. This is not unpatriotic nor un-Australian – rather, it’s a deeply personal response.

 3.  What happens at these events and how to behave respectfully

Commemorative events are full of colour, symbolism and rituals. When children understand what they will see at these events and why they are there, they are more likely to understand, appreciate and connect with the experience

Scaffold discussions and explorations with children that let them know what they might see at these events. There could be veterans, people in uniforms, first responders, emergency services, cadets, medals, rosemary, flags, service horses and dogs, wreaths, crowds and cenotaphs. They might also hear pipers, bugles, bands, speeches, prayers and hymns.

Children might ask questions about some symbols and rituals, so you can follow their lead and learn about them together before and after the events.

Significantly, during certain parts of the ceremony, everyone, including children, are expected to be quiet, reflective and respectful. Provide opportunities for children to practice the skills of ‘being quiet’ before the commemoration day and discuss options of what their brains can think about during this time, such as what they saw and heard. During a ceremony, there are specific protocols that will be observed, such as laying a wreath. This can be explored through free, online books for preschoolers, primary school-aged children, digital interactives, and accompanying educational materials. ABC’s Playschool have an Anzac Day special episode for younger children. Older children might enjoy learning the Ode in Auslan.

4.  How to avoid glorifying war

Commemorative events have gained greater prominence in recent decades, with a deliberate effort to broaden what is commemorated to increase crowds. This is not necessarily wrong, as community remembrance can foster a deeper appreciation and respect for those who serve the country, their communities and their family members. That said, we have a responsibility to ensure that children do not become part of the “Anzackery” and the commercialisation of such events. We also do not want children to think that service, sacrifice and mateship are only qualities that belong to those in the military. Remind children that many people who serve our community in unseen ways may not be a part of these events nor wear a uniform.

5.  Busting common myths

There are many myths surrounding these events that you can explore with children. In this figure, the myth is in bold font and the facts are in plain font below.

6. Educators, take care of children from service families

With one in 20 households having a current or previously serving military member, it is important educators find out which children are from Defence, veteran, and first responder families. This can be done by having a question on your enrolment form for an educational service and by actively providing opportunities to learn more about whether families at your service commemorate these days publicly or privately through discussions and interactions. Crucially, do not assume all military-connected families will want to join commemorative events.

Keep in mind that this may be a time of great sadness for many families, and reminders of these days can be challenging. Tread carefully and work to support the child and family during these times. Many veterans feel the significant money and time spent on such events could be used to improve veteran health services. A more appropriate way to commemorate may be to raise money to support a veteran charity, such as Legacy.

Finally

As commemorations like Anzac Day are embedded in the Australian Curriculum at various stages of education, it’s essential that children are given opportunities to develop age-appropriate knowledge, skills, and empathy around these events. This includes understanding the historical context, cultural significance, and personal impact of war and service, as well as the broader themes of peace, resilience, and community.