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Anzac Day is here!
Some of you might be wondering what this day is all about. If you are, then continue reading! If you already know, then we have a list of commemoration services in Australia and New Zealand’s major cities below!
But first, what is Anzac Day anyway?
ANZAC DAY is a national day of remembrance for both countries, which broadly commemorates all Aussies and Kiwis who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, as well as the contribution and suffering of those who have served. It was originally devised to honour the members of the ANZAC, or the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who served in the Gallipoli Campaign.
Why April 25?
When Britain declared war in August 1914, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles, a narrow strait that can be used to travel from Europe to Russia, to the allied navies. April 25 was the day the ANZAC forces landed on Gallipoli, meeting resistance from the Ottoma Turkish defenders.
Why is it important?
During the Gallipoli campaign alone, 8700 Australians and New Zealanders suffered and died for our freedom. The number is much higher if we take into account other wars and conflicts. ANZAC Day is the perfect day to remember their sacrifices and contributions, and to meditate on what our countries would be like without their efforts. If you’re a descendant of some of these soldiers, then this day might be extra special for you!
If you’re looking for services near you, we’re here to help! Check out the list below.
Canberra
Location: Australian War Memorial
Schedule: 5:30 AM
The Australian War Memorial will host a Dawn Service in close cooperation with the Returned and Services League of Australia ACT. It’s a standing ceremony conducted in the dark prior to sunrise. It is likely that the weather will be cold so be sure to dress for the conditions. The Anzac Day Breakfast will be held afterwards.
The National Ceremony
Location: The Australian War Memorial
Schedule: 10:30 AM
This year marks the 104th anniversary of the landing of the Anzac troops at Gallipoli. It’ll follow the traditional order of service including a Commemorative Address, wreath laying, hymns, the sounding of the Last Post, observance of one minute’s silence, and the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand. This year’s Commemorative Address will be delivered by His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC.
Adelaide
The Dawn Service
Location: National War Memorial, North Terrace
Schedule: 6:00 AM
The annual commemorative march from the memorial to the Cross of Sacrifice in North Adelaide will be held prior to the service. Keith Payne, Australia’s oldest living Victoria Cross recipient, will join the service this year. He received Australia’s highest military honour for rescuing fellow soldiers while under enemy fire and suffering his own injuries during the Battle of Ben Het in 1969.
Darwin
Dawn Service
Location – The Esplanade
Schedule – 6:00 AM
The service will be held at the Cenotaph in The Esplanade. Steven Parsons, the most senior member of the Air Force in the Northern Territory, will be the guest speaker at the service. A parade will be held at 9AM.
Brisbane
Dawn Service
Location: Anzac Square
Schedule: 4:28 AM
The dawn services are held at exactly 4:28 PM, since that is the exact time the boats hit the beach at Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915. At 10 AM, after the service, there’ll be a parade along George and Adelaide Streets.
Gold Coast
Dawn Service
Location: Elephant Rock, Currumbin
Schedule: 4:35 AM
A commemorative march will be held at 10:55 AM. At 1 PM, there’ll be various two-up events. Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game, which is basically a variation of the famous heads or tails game.
Perth
Dawn Service
Location: Kings Park State War Memorial
Schedule: 6:00 AM
Premier Mark McGowan used to serve in the Australian Navy, and will be the guest speaker at the service. Other dignitaries including WA Governor Kim Beazley will also attend the event. After the service, there’ll be a Haka for Life performance at Kings Park followed by a gunfire breakfast at the Government House Gardens.
Annual Commemorative March
Location: Corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace
Schedule: 9:00 AM
The march will travel through St Georges Terrace, Victoria Avenue, and Langley Park. There’ll be a sausage sizzle at Langley Park afterwards.
Commemoration Service
Location: Perth Concert Hall
Schedule: 11:00 AM
There’ll also be services at the Jewish War Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial, which will both be held at 7:30 AM.
Sydney
Dawn Service
Location: Martin Place Cenotaph
Schedule: 4:30 AM
Commemorative March
Location: Elizabeth Street and Martin Place
Schedule: 9:00 AM
The march will move south to the Anzac Memorial In Hyde Park.
Commemoration Service
Location: Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park
Schedule: 12:30 PM
Sunset Service
Location: Martin Place Cenotaph
Schedule: 5:00 PM
Road closures and clearways will be in place from early morning, there will be additional train and bus services for participants and observers.
Melbourne
Dawn Service
Location: Shrine of Remembrance
Schedule: 6:00 AM
Anzac Day March
Location: St Kilda Road
Schedule: 8:30 AM
The march will finish at the Shrine of Remembrance with a commemorative service. The city will remember the 80th anniversary of the start of the second world war.
Hobart
Dawn Service
Location: Queen’s Domain Cenotaph
Schedule: 6:00 AM
Commemoration Service
Location: Queen’s Domain Cenotaph
Schedule: 11:40 AM
Auckland
Dawn Service
Location: Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph
Schedule: 5:30 AM
You can also live watch the live broadcast on Maori Television.
Civic Service
Location: Auckland War Memorial Museum
Schedule: 11:00 AM
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is expected to attend this service.
Wellington
Dawn Service
Location: Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
Schedule: 6:00 AM
Citizens’ Wreath-Laying
Location: Corner of Lampton Quay and Bowen Street
Schedule: 9:00 AM
National Commemoration Service
Location: Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
Schedule: 11:00 AM
Ataturk Service
Location: Ataturk Memorial Park
Schedule: 2:30 PM
The Last Post Ceremony
Location: Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
Schedule: 5:00 PM
Queenstown
Dawn Service
Location: Memorial Gates, Marine Parade, Queenstown
Schedule: 6:45 AM
Civic Service
Location: Memorial Street, Queenstown
Schedule: 10:00 AM
Christchurch
Dawn Parade and Anzac Service
Location: Cranmer Square
Schedule: 6:15 AM
Citizens’ Service
Location: Transitional Cathedral, Latimer Square
Schedule: 10:00 AM
This service will be attended by representatives of the Defence Force, Consular Corps and various Christchurch youth groups.
Christchurch Civic Service
Location: Air Force Museum, 45 Harvard Ave, Wigram, Christchurch
Schedule: 12:00 NN
Keep in mind that the families of the fallen are continuously grieving due to their loss. Let’s appreciate the soldiers’ sacrifices and comfort each other this day!
If you’re a war veteran, we salute you! Thank you for everything you’ve done!
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