Despite the significance of Anzac Day, some Australians opted to wait in long lines at pubs instead of attending dawn services to commemorate the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Social media captured the extensive queues outside establishments in Sydney, with some reaching capacity and forcing closures. The behavior drew criticism from those who emphasized the day’s true purpose of remembrance and reflection. Amidst the revelry, officials and veterans stressed the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by those who served and died in conflicts.
Results for: Commemoration
Thousands of Victorians gathered at Anzac Day dawn services across the state to pay their respects to current and past servicemen and women. In Melbourne, 40,000 people attended the service at the Shrine of Remembrance, where Indigenous Elder Mark Brown performed a Welcome to Country and RSL Victoria president Robert Webster delivered the Ode of Remembrance. Peacekeepers were particularly recognized this year, with the Navy band and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus performing Abide By Me during the service. Among those leading the Anzac Day march were veterans who participated in peacekeeping missions for Australia, including Royal Australian Air Force veteran Brett West, who emphasized the importance of supporting families of servicemen and women.
Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Anzac Day dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux, France, where thousands will gather to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers of World War I.
At the break of dawn, thousands of Australians came together to solemnly observe Anzac Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration for those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present.
Australians across the nation have commemorated Anzac Day with dawn services, marking the 109th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Papua New Guinea counterparts in paying tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Defence Minister Richard Marles, currently in Türkiye, highlighted the spirit of mateship and sacrifice displayed by Anzac soldiers.
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore’s moving speech after the Magpies’ Anzac Day triumph over Essendon last year served as a poignant reminder of the true significance of the day. Moore’s words, delivered with passion and eloquence, resonated deeply with both Collingwood and Essendon supporters, uniting them in a shared moment of reflection and gratitude. His message emphasized the importance of commemorating the sacrifices made by Australian service men and women, not only those who fought in the ANZACs but also those who have served in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world. Moore also acknowledged the often-unseen pain of war that runs through many Australian families and expressed the club’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. His speech has become a topic of discussion leading into this year’s Anzac Day match, highlighting the profound impact it had on all who heard it and underscoring the broader significance of the day beyond the sporting contest.
On Anzac Day, Australians commemorate the sacrifices of their soldiers with dawn services and visits to the Kokoda Track and Gallipoli, Turkey. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, hiking the Kokoda Track, paid tribute to the fallen, while Defence Minister Richard Marles attended ceremonies in Gallipoli. The Returned Services League and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also emphasized the importance of remembrance and the spirit of mateship forged in wartime.