As the first light of dawn stretched across the Australian sky, thousands gathered in solemn reflection to mark a momentous occasion in the nation’s history.
This year, Australians from all walks of life came together to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, a pivotal event that has shaped the national identity and spirit.
The Anzac Day dawn services, a tradition deeply ingrained in the Australian cultural fabric, saw citizens pay their respects to the brave men and women who have served the nation in times of peace and war.
From the bustling cities to the quietest rural towns, the nation paused to honour the sacrifices made by its soldiers, past and present.
In Melbourne, the dawn service was a poignant reminder of the nation’s diverse heritage. Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown’s ‘Welcome to Country’ was met with mixed reactions, as a few attendees caused a scene.
According to reports, multiple people led by a person with a Neo-Nazi background booed Brown.
However, this was swiftly overshadowed by the majority of attendees, who showed their support with applause and acknowledged the First Nations custodians of the land.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from various figures, including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
‘I strongly condemn the hateful disruption of this morning’s Dawn Service. A neo-Nazi disrupting this day is appalling – it has no place here,’ she said, stressing that the untoward act dishonoured all those who served and had fallen for Australia.
‘And to boo the Aboriginal servicemen and women who served our nation shows ignorance, hatred and a complete lack of respect – for them and for everything Anzac Day stands for.’
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also slammed the move in an interview as an ‘outrage’ and a ‘disgrace.’
‘You look at the Nazi ideology, the deaths that it led to, the destruction – not just in Europe but across the world … that it could be glorified by Australians here shows that these people are mentally unwell.’
‘It should be condemned and police come down heavily on them. It just has no place in our community and our society whatsoever.’
State authorities said a 26-year-old man is being investigated concerning the disruption. As of posting, no charges have been filed.
Elsewhere, the spirit of unity and respect was further exemplified by the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney. Attendees were treated to a harmonious blend of English and traditional Maori hymns, a nod to the shared Anzac legacy with New Zealand.
In Brisbane, soldiers laid wreaths at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Brisbane City Shrine of Remembrance.
At the same time, Governor-General Sam Mostyn represented the people of Victoria at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance.
The nation’s capital, Canberra, hosted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who delivered a stirring address at the Australian War Memorial service.
‘Let us therefore once more, dedicate ourselves to the ideals for which they died as the dawn is even now about to pierce the dark.’
Political leaders, including the Prime Minister and Dutton, put aside their campaigning efforts to attend commemorative services.
Dutton, accompanied by his wife Kirilly, honoured the Anzacs at the Pine Rivers Anzac Day Service in his electorate of Dickson.
This year, the Canberra dawn service was particularly significant, marking the parade ground’s first use since its half-billion-dollar upgrade.
Australian War Memorial director Matthew Anderson expressed that it is a ‘very proud moment’ for the staff on a day that holds significant meaning in the nation’s calendar.
‘While it is the first time we have used the new space for a dawn service—we have had dawn services here for 80 years,’ he said.
‘There is nothing I find more remarkable than to see Australians quietly, calmly in the dark making their way to a place of commemoration to stand typically next to someone they don’t know but to be united in that thought and in that sense of commemoration and thanks.’
As we look back on this day of national significance, we invite our readers to share their experiences of Anzac Day. How did you commemorate this historic anniversary? What does the Anzac legacy mean to you and your community? What are your thoughts on those who would disturb this day’s solemnity?
Join the conversation and let us know in the comments below.
Also read: Remembering Anzac Ryan, a hero of two armies
