Australians Honor Anzac Day with Commemorations at Gallipoli, Across the Middle East, and Nationwide

As dawn broke, Australians both at home and in Turkey gathered to observe Anzac Day, marking over a century since the Gallipoli landings. Anzac Day, a day of remembrance, honors the 111th anniversary of this significant event.

In northwest Turkey, a poignant ceremony unfolded as officials and visitors from Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey convened near the very beach where the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, known as the Anzacs, first set foot at Gallipoli at dawn on April 25, 1915. The ceremony commenced at 5:30 a.m., capturing the solemnity of the occasion.

Throughout the hour-long event, attendees engaged in reflective hymns, heartfelt prayers, and the symbolic laying of wreaths. This gathering drew representatives from various nations, underscoring the global importance of the remembrance.

According to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, nearly 1,800 individuals participated in the annual dawn service at Gallipoli, demonstrating the enduring legacy and significance of this historical moment.

Reflecting on the past, the Gallipoli campaign serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during a British-led mission aimed at defeating the Ottoman Empire. Despite its ultimate failure, resulting in significant casualties on both sides over the eight-month ordeal, the campaign sought to establish a naval route from the Mediterranean Sea to Istanbul via the Dardanelles and to eliminate the Ottoman Empire from the conflict.

It aimed to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean Sea to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and knock the Ottomans out of the war.

The battle helped forge Australia and New Zealand’s national identities as well as friendship with their former adversary, Turkey.

“From great suffering, understanding can grow. From former enemies, friendships can blossom. The relationship between Turkey, Australia and New Zealand is built on remembrance, respect and recognition of our shared humanity,” said New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro during the opening address.

Anzac Day around the world

Anzac Day now serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in defence of the nation, and of the shared values that continue to unite Australians.

Australia’s embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world all commemorate Anzac Day.

“In the Middle East, several embassies will mark the occasion despite being unable to host usual events due to the conflict,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

While Australian embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq encouraged Australians living locally to stand at dawn to honour those who served.

There are about 115,000 Australians in the Middle East with about 25,000 in the UAE alone.

Around Australia, dawn services, marches and commemorative events are held to recognise and honour those who have served.

But as thousands gathered to pay their solemn respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a small group of “louts” were determined to make their voices heard.

Hecklers urged to ‘show respect’ in Sydney

Police have confirmed a 24-year-old man was arrested for “an alleged act of nuisance” during the service in Sydney, with others moved on.

The acknowledgement of Country by Pastor and Uncle Ray Minniecon was disrupted by an interjection of booing.

After the people disturbing the peace were quieted, a chorus of applause and cheering rang for an extended period to show support for Uncle Minniecon.

“We do have laws to try and deter people from this but it seems like these people still want to be lawless,” Uncle Minniecon said after the ceremony.

“They just need to realise their place in this country … and show their deepest respect.”

Premier Chris Minns and his opposition counterpart Kellie Sloane were among those who paid their respects at the dawn service in Martin Place.

‘Barstardly’ behaviour condemned at Melbourne Dawn Service

Shoulder to shoulder, veterans stood among families and strangers alike in pre-dawn darkness, at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance for the traditional Anzac Day service.

Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner joined the commemorations, thanking those who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

But the solemn reflections were interrupted by heckling and booing from parts of the crowd, during a Welcome to Country by Bunurong and Gunditjmara elder Uncle Mark Brown.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan has condemned the disruptions, labelling the politicisation of a sacred day as ‘bastardly’.

As the Melbourne service concluded, attendees queued to lay poppies at the shrine as the morning light broke.

PM reflects on service and sacrifice in Canberra

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, along with some 35,000 people gathered.

He thanked veterans for their service, acknowledging that in the current political climate peace “seems elusive”.

“What their legacy proves to us is that … it is always worth fighting for,” he told attendees.

The Canberra service, which opened with didgeridoo performance and the traditional Maori haka, was later performed in the war memorial’s forecourt.

Ben Roberts-Smith attends Anzac Day service while on bail

Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith, now an accused war criminal, has attended an Anzac Day service in Queensland while on bail over war crime charges.

Roberts-Smith denies the accusations.

He joined thousands at the Currumbin Beach service, shaking hands and posing for photos with fellow attendees after the service.

Speaking after the service, the veteran said he always intended on engaging in today’s commemorations.

“Everyone should be reflecting and commemorating the service of all of those Australians that have given us the country that we live in,” he said.

‘Disgraceful’ behaviour at Perth Service

In Western Australia, large crowds gathered at At Kings Park in Perth as dawn services got underway, held several hours after the eastern states due to the time difference.

A Welcome to Country delivered by Whadjuk Noongar Elder and veteran Di Ryder was briefly interrupted by booing.

MC Stephen Barton, chief executive of the RSL WA, condemned the behaviour as “one of the most disgraceful things” he had heard, drawing strong applause from the crowd.

Communities unite across Australia at dawn

Across the rest of the country, crowds gathered standing shoulder to shoulder before dawn broke, in quiet reflection.

Tourists, locals, and ringers gathered outside the Daly Waters pub for a Dawn Service in the remote Northern Territory town, which is located about six hours south-east of Darwin.

And in the early morning in Tasmania and Brisbane CBD, crowds gathered at Hobart’s Cenotaph and Anzac Square in Brisbane’s CBD.

Commemorations are expected to continue throughout the country today.

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