Written by Alex Eggerking
We Aussies in New York may find ourselves far from home, but there are many ways to come together here for ANZAC Day. April 25th is a day to reflect on the meaning and impact of war, and to remember those Australians and New Zealanders who have given their lives, and those who have served: some we may know; many we never will.
This ANZAC Day 2017 we continue to commemorate the ANZAC Centenary, a period of time that marks 100 years since our involvement in the First World War. Here are a few of the ANZAC events in and around New York for you to take part in:
Sunday, April 23rd
Sunday Service, hosted by the New Zealand and Australian Consuls General
2017’s Sunday Service is hosted by the New Zealand and Australian Consuls General, Beatrice Faumuina, ONZM and Nick Minchin. It is a limited entry, ballot event, and the ballot has unfortunately closed for this year.
If you were lucky enough to secure tickets to this event, the details are below. For those who missed out but still want to commemorate ANZAC Day in a formal way, we recommend heading to the dawn service on Tuesday, April 25th (see below).
Date and time: Sunday, April 23rd, from 10:30am to midday
Venue: ANZAC Memorial Garden, Level 7, British Empire Building, Rockefeller Center, 620 Fifth Avenue, New York City (entry on south side of West 50th Street)
Access: Photo ID required as condition of entry, bags may be searched
RSVP: RSVPs have unfortunately closed for this event but you can join the waitlist by email.
Afternoon drinks with the New York Magpies
Join the New York Magpies, NYC’s only Aussie Rules team, to celebrate Anzac Day in a private area at the Boat Basin – the perfect setting to enjoy a springtime afternoon of drinks on the Hudson. Proceeds will go to support the New York Magpies for their 20th season.
Date and time: Sunday, April 23rd, from 2pm
Venue: the Boat Basin (W 79th St, New York)
Cost: $10 entry per person.
RSVP: here
Tuesday, April 25th
ANZAC Dawn Service
We highly recommend the beautiful Dawn service at the Vietnam Veterans Plaza (55 Water Street, New York). The service is open to the public, and no RSVP is required. The service begins at 5.45am, and suggested arrival time is 5.30am, as it does get crowded.
Date and time: Tuesday, April 25th, from 5.30am for a 5.45am start
Venue: Vietnam Veterans Plaza (55 Water Street, btwn Broad Street and Old Slip, New York)
RSVP: none required
Coffee and ANZAC Biscuits after the Dawn Service
Both of Bluestone Lane’s FiDi locations (30 Broad St and 90 Water St) will be opening earlier than usual, from 6:30am, to cater to those attending the Dawn Service. Perfect for your morning coffee, lamington or ANZAC biscuit, both are located only a few minutes’ walk from Vietnam Veterans Plaza, where the Dawn Service is being held.
The Australian
Celebrate ANZAC Day in New York at The Australian. Drop in for breakfast from 8am, stay to play 2-Up at 2pm, live music from 5pm, and all-day AFL and NRL replays.
Date and time: Tuesday, April 25th, from 8am
Venue: The Australian (20 W 38th St, New York)
RSVP: If you want to be sure of a spot to sit, make a table reservation through the website
Drinks with the Aussie Meetup group at Benson’s NYC
Join members of the Aussie Meetup group (for Australians in New York) to commemorate ANZAC Day at Benson’s, with Aussie tunes, Coopers on tap, a sausage sizzle and ANZAC biscuits.
Date and time: Tuesday, April 25th, from 7pm
Venue: Benson’s NYC (181 Essex St (corner of Houston St), New York)
RSVP: by joining the Aussie Meetup group
Saturday, April 29
ANZAC Day Commemorative Service, New England
The American Australian Association and Kia Ora New England invite members and friends to attend ANZAC Day 2017. Reception to follow, where guests are invited to bring a plate to share.
Date and time: Saturday, April 29th, 10am
Venue: Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, 1555 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
RSVP: Register here to assist with numbers
Have you heard about something we haven’t?
Let us know (via email, or on Facebook) of any other ANZAC Day events happening in and around NY this year, and we’ll help spread the word.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 