Today, as the Last Post cuts the silence of dawn, we pause to honour and reflect on more than a century of Defence service and sacrifice.
110 years ago today, Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the beaches of Gallipoli under heavy fire, in the battle that would begin the Anzac legend.
Little did they know, their story would shape both our nations for generations to come.
Today we honour them, and all those who have served in our Defence Force in the years since. We pay tribute to the fallen, lost in service of our nation.
Members of the Defence Force, veterans and their families will proudly march together, many wearing the medals of their ancestors.
As we recite the Ode of Remembrance, we are reminded of the courage and sacrifices made by generations of service personnel and the families who support them.
The Last Post will ring out over a silent crowd as a solemn farewell to the fallen: their duty done; their sacrifice remembered.
We give thanks to all current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
As our nation comes together in gratitude, we reiterate our commitment to providing the care, support, and recognition our veterans and their families deserve.
We do not forget.
Lest we forget.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"It is now a century and a decade since the first Anzacs climbed into their boats and rowed into history.
"The years come and go, and still we come together to honour them and all who have followed.
"As we gather around cenotaphs or watch the parades, we reflect on all who have served in our name and all who serve now.
"We contemplate the debt we owe them - those who finally came home, their hearts reshaped by all they had seen, and those who tragically never did.
"And together we say the simplest but most powerful of sentences: Lest we forget."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence, Richard Marles:
"110 years ago today, the spirit of Anzac was born.
"Every year on this day - the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli - we come together to show our respect for those whose service keeps our country safe.
"Today we also honour the memory of the 103,000 Australians who have given their life in our country's name.
"Millions of Australians and New Zealanders will have risen this morning to attend dawn services across our nations; to pay their respects and express their gratitude to all those who have and continue to wear our nation's uniform. Lest we forget."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh:
"In 2023 I was honoured to mark Anzac Day in Gallipoli, to walk the beaches and trenches of the battlefields and pay my respects to the fallen.
"More than a century on, that hallowed ground still holds the stories, known and unknown, of war. Every community, from cities to small towns, has been touched by Australia's experience of conflict and war.
"On this 110th anniversary, the Anzac legend remains in the hearts of all Australians. The embodiment of that great concept of mateship, of always looking out for your fellow Australians and a fair go, will resonate with Australians for generations to come.
"On Anzac Day we pay tribute to all those who have served, be it 110 years ago or today - we thank them for their service and we pledge to never forget."
