#OnThisDay 24 May Australia used to celebrate Empire Day (later Commonwealth Day) in honour of the British Empire. From 1905, a range of patriotic activities across Australia were performed on the 24th. There was a focus on schoolchildren, who were given a half-holiday at the conclusion of celebratory activities, and the occasion was often highlighted with fireworks in the evening.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald. (1916). Empire Day
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What does our collection reveal about this vanished celebration?
Find out in the Gallery: Empire Day / Commonwealth Day
![Cover of Empire Day Program, 1907. From the unregistered papers and pamphlets in Premier's Department NRS 12172, [4/6251]](../../../sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/Galleries/Empire%20Day/Emp%20Day%20Prog%201907%20-%20NRS%204474%201-2658875.jpg?itok=NQelK2qP "Cover of Empire Day Program, 1907. From the unregistered papers and pamphlets in Premier's Department NRS 12172, [4/6251]")