What is the link between sport and ANZAC Day?

Patriotism and nationalism are two of the strongest forces that hold countries
together. Every country needs a history to celebrate, just like the saying, dont
forget where you came from. Significant historical markers serve to provide a way
of keeping track of how a country came to be. In this regard, Australia is a little
different from many other countries. There are two notable categories into which
any given countrys history can fall: Imperial countries (typically European) with old
histories, and former colonies that fought their way to freedom. Australia, much like
Canada, never had a Revolutionary War with its motherland. This makes it difficult
to find a specific date each year on which to celebrate the countrys past. After
WW1, Australia finally had a recognizably patriotic holiday of remembrance: Anzac
Day. In keeping with Australian tradition, sports began to take on a big role in the
annual celebration of Anzac Day (especially given the comradery of spectator
sports).
In a country as hungry for a founding mythology as Australia, it doesnt take long
to establish traditions. The annual Anzac Day football match began in 1995. By
1997 it was already traditional (Murray 2009). We saw for ourselves how
traditionally Australian it is to attend a match on the famed day when we saw the
Sydney Roosters line up across from the St. George Illawarra Dragons. I already
knew how Australian rugby was from our other class discussions and field trips, but
the combination of sport and Anzac Day was electric. From the roar of the crowd to
the respect given to military veterans during pregame ceremonies, you could feel
the nationalism and pride for Australia. There have been calls for attention to the
glorification of Anzac Day celebration of military involvement and the violence of
Australian sports, like in the article written in 2009 by Murray. However, I dont know
a better way for Australia to celebrate its history. To those people looking down on
Anzac Day festivities because of their own overwhelming opinion that its all about
the celebration of war, I would say to just enjoy the national day. Its not all about
celebrating wartime achievements, but rather creating an environment of national
pride. Even Murray (2009), who talks about false nationalism, still admits how
fundamentally traditional Anzac Day football really is.
At the rugby match, Australian flags were all over the place, regardless of team
allegiance. National allegiance might just supersede team allegiance on this
national holiday, and its a rare occurrence when people care about something else
more than sports! The weather was terrible but the stadium was still full to the brim,
and on any other day the rain would have kept many of those fans from attending.
Anzac Day is celebrated by sport, and thats why the draw was so big. Coming
together for a couple hours to enjoy a game and each others company is just what
Australians need to feel a sense of national togetherness. That is the link between

Anzac Day and sport. Sport is used as a medium of celebration for Anzac Day, and it
works quite well.

Reference:
Murray, R. 2009. The False Nationalism of Anzac Day Football. Eureka Street, 19(7),
1-3.