Despite the relentless downpour, a sense of solemnity and unity enveloped the city streets as hundreds of Australians, young and old, came together in the pre-dawn hours to honour the memory of the nation’s fallen heroes.
Despite the inclement weather, the Anzac Day service, a poignant tradition that resonates deeply with the Australian spirit, saw no dampening of spirits.
This year marked the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli during World War I, a campaign that has become a defining moment in Australian history.
The day’s significance was palpable as the crowd, undeterred by the rain, gathered at The Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney, to pay their respects.
The Cenotaph, standing as a silent testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, bore the inscription ‘to our glorious dead’, a message that echoed in the hearts of those present.
Dignitaries and representatives from various walks of life laid wreaths in a traditional remembrance, each symbolising gratitude and reflection.
Major General Matt Burr, in his powerful commemoration address, reached out to new Australians and those attending their first dawn service, urging them to connect with veterans and immerse themselves in their stories.
‘All Australians own and are part of the same legacy…The legacy of the first Anzacs who answered that call of duty, leaving behind the comforts of home and the warmth of loved ones to serve Australia,’ Burr said.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns recited the poignant words of Sydney Elliott Napier, an Australian writer and World War I veteran, whose poem Salute captures the essence of Anzac Day.
‘You who have loved will remember the glow of their glad young years, as you stand to-day to salute them in silence, with pride and with tears,’ he read.
The ceremony also acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous Australians in the defence forces. Harry Allie, an aboriginal elder and former Air Force warrant officer, highlighted the complex history of Indigenous service.
‘As Indigenous Australians were not of European descent, they were exempt from military service during the time of World War I,’ he said.
“(But) it has been estimated that up to 1000, perhaps more, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people came forward to enlist…It is not known what motivated Indigenous Australians to enlist, but loyalty and patriotism without doubt played a part.”
The day’s events were not solely focused on the past; they also served as a reminder of Australian Defence Force members’ ongoing service and sacrifice.
Over 8,000 serving members and veterans, including those from World War II to recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, are set to march from Martin Place to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
Tens of spectators were expected to line the route, a testament to Australians’ enduring respect and admiration for their service personnel.
The marchers, representing a lineage of courage across multiple generations and conflicts, would conclude the day with a sunset service, bringing the official commemorations to a close.
What does the Anzac spirit mean to you personally? How do you believe the sacrifices of the past continue to shape our present? And what can we do, in our daily lives, to ensure the legacy of service and unity endures for future generations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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