Significance of WW1 - The Last Post | Social Studies

We have been recently learning a new unit on Anzac, we had to learn who they were, what they are known for, the music they used or played and what is significant about them. This post will explain the well-known Anzac song The Last Post.

When do you hear this song?

The last post song is a bugle song that is played before the 1-2 minute silence, it will also be heard when celebrating Anzac Day, it is also played to honour those who lost their lives in war, it is played on the 25th of April which is the day we dedicate to remember those who sacrificed their lives and who fought for the world we live in today, after the song it is followed by a 2-minute silence. 

Why is this song significant/important to New Zealand?

The song is significant to New Zealand because it is played to mourn those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, for our country. It is important to show our respect, honour and mourn for those who fought bravely for their country and remembering them further in the future for the type of world they gave to us.

What is the History behind the Last post - Why was it played and when?

The last post song has been around for many years and is one of the most distinctive, it's very recognizable and how it is played by a single bugler. The last post was not originally used in a memorial context but instead was a plain song that was published and played in the 1790s, the last post was one of the many bugle calls used by the British Army. There are a few calls in the song that were used in the army for commands like wakeup calls, when the day is complete and when to move to the next command given to them. It is sounded at military funerals to indicate that the soldier has passed on his final rest and at the commemorative services which are Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

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