Today, as the Last Post cuts the silence of dawn, we pause to honour and remember the more than two million personnel who have served in Australia’s Defence Forces.
In towns across our nation, and in many across the globe, Australians have gathered to recognise all those who have, and continue to wear our nation’s uniform.
That service, in war and conflict, as well as in humanitarian and peace operations, has brought our nation both pride and sorrow and earned its place in our national identity.
On Anzac Day, we honour the memory of the more than 103,000 Australians who have given their life in our country’s name.
In the 109 years since the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli, the Anzac legacy is as strong as ever.
In Australia, the national Anzac Day Dawn Service is being held in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial, while the RSL Veterans’ March is, for the first time, being held on the Memorial’s newly commissioned parade ground.
International Dawn Services are being held in Gallipoli in Türkiye, near Villers-Bretonneux in France, Sandakan in Malaysia, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and Hellfire Pass in Thailand, marking some of the most significant battles in our nation’s short history.
“I am honoured to be representing Australia at the Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux, France this year. More than 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front during the course of the First World War, making up the vast majority of the 330,000 who saw service overseas,” said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh.
“Tragically some 46,000 Australians were killed on the Western Front and more than 100,000 were wounded. Today, services across the Western Front reflect the enduring relationship between Australia and France, forged in these fields.”
“We stand together at Villers-Bretonneux to remember the remarkable battles 106 years ago that turned the tide of the war, and our troops who gave so much, fighting in our name.”
“On Anzac Day we salute our Australian service personnel for their extraordinary feats in times of conflict and peace and remember their service and sacrifice which continues today. We also acknowledge the loved ones that supported or lost them,” said Mr Keogh.
Lest we forget.
For veterans and families this day may be an emotional time and lead to feelings of distress. You are encouraged to include the contact information for Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling in your stories. Open Arms is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit OpenArms.gov.au.
