Today, hundreds of thousands of Australians gathered nationwide to honor soldiers who fought in World War I and other conflicts. Anzac Day dawn and sunset services were held in each state and territory, with the largest crowds assembling in the capital cities.
This year marks 108 years since Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed at Gallipoli peninsula in Türkiye during World War I. Although the Anzacs were defeated after eight months, their bravery has become an enduring symbol of military sacrifice.
Dawn services were followed by parades across towns and cities in every state and territory, as well as in Papua New Guinea and Gallipoli. Over a thousand people arrived at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, turning it into a sea of sleeping bags and beanies.
In Sydney, the main dawn service took place at the Martin Place Cenotaph, considered the birthplace of the Anzac Day dawn service tradition.
Melbourne's largest dawn service occurred at Victoria's Shrine of Remembrance, followed by the Anzac Day Parade.
In Queensland, despite wet weather, large crowds gathered in Brisbane's CBD to pay their respects.
South Australia held a ceremony at the National War Memorial on North Terrace in Adelaide, while Darwin, Northern Territory, commemorated the day at the Darwin Cenotaph.
Western Australia saw thousands gather at Albany on the south coast, the last place in Australia that many troops saw before being killed in Gallipoli.
Meanwhile, in Tasmania, hundreds gathered at Hobart's cenotaph for its dawn service.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the national ceremony in Canberra, addressing thousands from the Australian War Memorial and emphasizing the national significance of Anzac Day.
"Across our country this morning, Australians have gathered in peace, free citizens of a free nation".
"108 years after those first Anzacs set off in their boats, we remember them and all who followed – and we reflect on all that has been made possible by generations of sacrifice."
"Gallipoli is just one battle in our history, but in all its stories of valour and resilience, in its simple truth of Australians looking out for each other no matter how bad things got, it has come to stand for something so much bigger in our collective heart," PM said.
