Since 1915, one day in the year has involved the whole of Australia in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride.
That day is Anzac Day - 25 April.
Why does the nation pause to commemorate what most historians choose to describe as a failure or a sad series of blunders?
It is because every person and every nation must, sooner or later, come for the first time to a supreme test of quality; and the result of that test will hearten or dishearten those who come afterwards.
For Australia as a nation that first supreme test began in the early hours of Sunday 25 April 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula in the Eastern Mediterranean.