Millions of Australians have woken early to attend dawn services on Anzac Day, to pay tribute to the men and women who have served in Australia’s defence forces.
Across Australia, dawn services were held from suburban parks to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra, and overseas from the shores of Gallipoli to the fields of Villers-Brettoneux in France.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave the dedication with a short speech at the dawn service at the AWM in Canberra.
“At this hour upon the 25th of April in 1915 Anzac became one of the immortal names in history,” the PM said.
“We who are gathered here, think of those who went out to the battlefields of all wars, but did not return.
“We feel them still near us in spirit. We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice. Let us therefore once more dedicate ourselves to the ideals for which they died.
The Sydney dawn service in Martin Place started with an acknowledgment of country by Uncle Harry Allie, the first Indigenous Elder of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Following Anzac Day tradition, NSW Premier Chris Minns read the poem Salute by Sydney Napier.
Delivering the commemoration address, Major-General Matt Burr spoke about how important it was for young Australians to learn about Anzac Day.
“It is our duty to ensure the stories of service and dedication are passed down to future generations. So we never forget,” he said
In Melbourne, the dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance began at 5.30am.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was among those attending the Brisbane commemoration at the Shrine of Remembrance in Anzac Square.
The rest of Anzac Day will be marked by parades and wreath-laying events, followed by the usual long-weekend celebrations.
Active members of the ADF and the families of former members will later march in the traditional Anzac Day marches.
You can find out more about all the events in your state here.
At Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, a dawn service will be held at the site of Australia’s most famous action in World War I.
