Tens of thousands gathered at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) for the Anzac Day Dawn Service on Saturday 25 April 2026, marking 111 years since the first landings at Gallipoli.
Held on the redeveloped Parade Ground the service brings together veterans, serving personnel, members of the public, and dignitaries, including Prime Minster Anthony Albanese, in a solemn national commemoration.
The commemorative address was delivered by Flying Officer Kbora Ali, whose personal story reflected the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice across generations.
Recalling her family's journey to Australia from Afghanistan as refugees of war, she spoke of her father's rescue at sea by the Australian Navy 24 years ago.
"This is the kind of sacrifice that the men and women of the Australian Defence Force make every single day," Flying Officer Ali said.
Now serving in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), she described her commitment to service as a way of giving back to the country she now calls home, noting she stands "as a proud daughter… and now as an aviator," carrying both "hope, and now a promise".
Her address also acknowledged the ongoing impact of conflict, including Australia's service in Afghanistan, and the importance of supporting veterans facing the lasting effects of war.
Director of the Australian War Memorial, Matt Anderson, said Anzac Day continues to be a moment of national reflection and unity.
"Anzac Day is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to honour the courage, endurance and sacrifice of those who have served and who are currently serving our nation," Mr Anderson said.
"We lead the nation's commemoration and we know that the most meaningful commemoration comes through understanding.
"I encourage all of our visitors to spend time in the galleries before they visit the Commemorative Area. Read the stories of the service personnel and their families, look at the objects they used and carried with them. Then take a moment to remember these everyday but remarkable Australians who chose service before self."
Visitors attending this year's commemorations are also able to experience the AWM's newly opened galleries from 1.00pm, including exhibitions exploring Australia's involvement in the Middle East and peacekeeping operations, offering deeper insight into more recent service and those impacted by war-like operations in which Australians have served around the globe.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemorative Ceremony is held after the Anzac Day Dawn Service at "For Our Country" Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service Memorial in the Sculpture Garden of the Australian War Memorial. This commemorative ceremony is conducted to honour those Indigenous Australians who have served in the Australian forces since 1901.
The Anzac Day Veterans' March, led by representatives of the Returned & Services League (RSL), commences at 9.30 am on the Parade Ground, followed by the National Commemorative Service.
Current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, along with allied veterans and their families, will take part in the march and pay tribute to those who have served.
