Anzac Day: Australians flock to dawn services to remember fallen

Thousands of Australians have attended dawn services across the country to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Here’s how it happened.

Sydney

Hundreds of people, including veterans, gathered under a full moon and clear skies for a solemn pre-dawn service in Sydney’s CBD, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The commemoration at the near 100-year-old Cenotaph in Martin Place was held in crisp weather to mark the 109th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli during World War I.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Karen Webb were among those to lay wreaths before the sun rose on Thursday.

Mr Minns continued the dawn service tradition with a reading from Australian writer and World War I veteran Elliott Napier’s moving poem “Salute”.

“You who have loved will remember the glow of their glad young years, as you stand today to salute them in silence, with pride and with tears,” he told the silent crowd.

“The best thing about the ceremony this morning is to see the number of people that come early in the morning.

“Times like today the community can come together and remember those who gave their lives for our country and it’s so nice to see it remain a solemn occasion.”

As the lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on the cenotaph, Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz said Anzac Day had come a long way since it was first commemorated in 1916.

“With conflicts since then, the meaning has evolved,” he said.

“While World War I veterans are no longer with us, and there are few remaining from World War II and Korea among us, today standing in this crowd are veterans of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as veterans of numerous peacekeeping missions.

“Australians who found within themselves the selflessness and courage to serve our country, to serve you and protect our way of life ... to these remarkable individuals, we say thank you.”

As the Last Post played, the crowd bowed their heads and some saluted before a minute of silence to honour those who died in war.

The diggers from the Great War were represented at the ceremony by a Memorial Horse.

Melbourne

Tens of thousands of Victorians gathered for dawn services as a large crowd turned out in chilly temperatures at the Shrine of Remembrance.

Melburnians braved the darkness and brisk weather to mark the 109th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli in World War I and honour those who have served in other conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

More than 40,000 people filled the area around the war memorial, which was lit up in red before dawn.

Premier Jacinta Allan, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, Opposition Leader John Pesutto and Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner were amongst the official party.

Master of ceremonies Justin Smith paid particular tribute to Australian peacekeepers, who had “little recognition”.

“Many times against their training, our peacekeepers could not fight back and this brought its own trauma, as they witnessed human beings at their worst,” he said.

“Their enemies weren’t always clear, and their allies weren’t always reliable.”

Mr Smith also remembered the boy soldiers, as young as 14, who lied about their ages to join Australia’s war effort and ended up in Gallipolli.

Brisbane

Queenslanders gathered in their thousands across the state to pause and reflect on the contributions of defence personnel and their sacrifice to Australia.

Near the state border with NSW, surf boats performed a burial at sea a large crowd paid their respects at the Currumbin dawn service.

Atop Elephant Rock, flags were at half mast to recognise the contributions of nearly 1.5 million Australians who have served and fought for the country.

Hundreds gathered as early as 3.30am in Brisbane city before Governor Jeanette Young laid a wreath commemorating the 16,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers who at dawn 109 years ago, landed on the shores of Gallipoli.

By the time the service had concluded, between 12,000 and 15,000 people had attended Anzac Square in the city’s CBD.

Major General Stephen Day, who served in the Australian armed forces for 40 years, said April 25 marks a solemn moment of reflection for those who gave freely of themselves for their country.

“So that their families, their mates and their mates’ families can live in a land that was free and fair,” he told AAP.

Perth

Tens of thousands of West Australians have gathered to honour the courage and sacrifice of the Anzacs at a moving dawn service at Kings Park.

A crowd of about 30,000 formed at the State War Memorial on Thursday morning in solemn pre-dawn darkness to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

As the night sky gradually lightened over the city, those who came to pay their respects stood in silence as a lone bugler played The Last Post.

Decorated military veteran James McMahon gave the commemorative address.

He said ANZAC day is not about glorifying war, but to remember the cost of freedom.

“Women and men just like you would be the ones who serve on operations with common purpose, courage and determination,” he said.

“Knowing that they may, at some point, have to sacrifice their life for the person alongside the mission, standing up and standing up for freedom.

“Standing up for what is right, freedom and ambition.This is particularly important given recent events.

“We reflect on over 102,000 men and women on the honour roll who have died and operational service from the Gallipoli through to today. This sacrifice reminds us to continue to learn the lessons of the past, and continue to strive for a peaceful world.

“This day, is not a day to glorify war, or past victories … Our memorials are a reminder to us on the cost of the freedom and a reminder of the Australian way.”