ANZAC Day 2024

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Thu 25 Apr 2024

One of Australia's most significant public occasions, ANZAC Day will be commemorated on 25 April 2024 to recognise Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".



The bravery, sacrifice and tragedy of war and the "spirit" of the ANZAC legend are remembered at free public services and parades across the country. At this time, stories are shared, friends are remembered and medals are worn proudly. One such story is that of John Harris just two months short of his sixteenth birthday, the youngest soldier from New South Wales to be killed in action.



Of course, the landing of Gallipoli (now known as ANZAC Cove) in Turkey is part of Australian folklore where some 8141 Australians died and numerous others were injured. It was the first conflict that Australia and New Zealand fought as federated countries and the battle at Gallipoli is described by some as the birth of nationhood

Poppy Flowers are a symbol of the occasion and are traditionally worn on the day (and Remembrance Day in November) to symbolize the vivid red of the poppy as the blood of the comrades soaking the ground. The largest bouquets are also laid at the memorial to remember the fallen and the sacrifices made.



Here are some of the ceremonies in our capital cities which you may wish to attend to remember the fallen on ANZAC Day.

Brisbane
The Anzac Day Dawn Service starts at 4.28 am at Brisbane City's Shrine of Remembrance, Anzac Square, between 285 Ann and Adelaide Streets. This is followed by a FREE marching parade of past and present serving soldiers where the Governor of Queensland takes the salute. The 2024 Nurses Memorial Candlelight Vigil will be held in ANZAC Square , Brisbane City on Wednesday 24 April 2024 from 5.30-7.15 pm, as a public event.



Sydney
The Sydney CBD Commemoration Events start at 4.20 am for the Dawn Service at The Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney. This is followed at 9.00 am with the Sydney CBD March, along Elizabeth Street. At 12.30 pm there is another Commemoration Service, at Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park. Ceremonies conclude at 5.00 pm with a Sunset Service at The Cenotaph, Martin Place.

Melbourne
The Melbourne dawn service will be held at the St Kilda Road Shrine of Remembrance. For one day a year, the traditional, cheeky "two-up" game is legal and will be played at the Flemington Races. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will also host the traditional Collingwood vs Essendon football game at the "G".


(Photo: Gillian Ching)

Adelaide
The Adelaide Anzac Day Committee hosts the Anzac Eve Youth Vigil, Dawn Service, March and Cross of Sacrifice Remembrance Service in Adelaide.

Perth
In the West, the Anzac Day Perth dawn service starts at 4 am at the cities' State War Memorial in Perth's Kings Park. The Cenotaph is the centre stage for these proceedings.

Canberra
The Australian War Memorial is the national war memorial and museum dedicated to all Australians who died during the war. The AWM is located in Campbell, a suburb of the Australian capital of Canberra.

No more significant place is there to commemorate Anzac Day. The 2024 commemorative program at the Australian War Memorial includes Dawn Service at 5.30 am and the RSL ACT Branch Veterans' March at 9.30 am. There is also a last post-ceremony at 4:30 pm.

As well as these events, local services and ceremonies are held among communities across the country. ANZAC Day is a public holiday making it even easier to take part.

So perhaps take a quiet moment this ANZAC Day raise a glass, lay a floral tribute or place a poppy on a memorial to reflect on our past this ANZAC Day. As the bugle sounds the haunting sounds of the Last Post, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

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